How does the HSMBC now propose to identify national significance in Aboriginal cultural landscapes?
Traditionally, the HSMBC has used historical and anthropological frameworks to specify criteria as the bases for assessing the national historic significance of places, people or events. The Board has, however, recognized that its conventional criteria, structure and framework for evaluation do not adequately respond to the values inherent in the history of Aboriginal people. It has reiterated in its discussions that “nature, tradition, continuity and attachment to the land are seen as the defining elements in determining historic significance” when dealing with Aboriginal peoples. It has likewise emphasized that “its interest was not only in considering groups for commemoration, but in focussing on the importance of place to the Aboriginal group ….” (HSMBC Minutes, July 1998). The concept of cultural landscapes provides a direction for responding to these concerns.
