Cultural Values Assessment Theory and Practice : Dja (Country) Relational Patina and Spirit

This book profiles the developing realm of cultural values assessments (CVAs) or equivalent studies that are becoming prolific in use and narration in the settler state of Victoria, Australia. CVAs are being generated by First Peoples’ organisations and their consultants to address land use and management dilemmas as well as pending major land use or water-related developments, major energy and road infrastructure projects, mineral extraction projects, and new greenfield suburb design and planning ventures. As CVAs are increasingly being interpreted as vehicles for Victoria’s respective First Peoples’ communities, this book explores how they are used to voice self-deterministic concerns and recommendations in considering how such projects negatively impact upon their Country, and how they could positively work towards healing and renourishing. This volume brings together some 38 CVAs, critiquing and interrogating their formative evolution as statements by First Peoples, to inform future applications in Australia and internationally.