Description
Cultural Heritage Assessment and Monitoring introduces participants to cultural resource management by providing methods of conducting assessments of traditional plants, wildlife and riparian features. In this course we consider pressures on the landscape, the cultural features of the land, and techniques that can be used to protect these features. Additionally, options for both short-term and long-term monitoring are explored with a cultural heritage lens. This program provides practical Inventory skills in the field utilizing visits to heritage, local, and community locations.
The emphasis of this course is on:
- Cultural Heritage Legislation: Cultural heritage inventories are closely aligned to archeology assessments and this course provides understanding around the legislation differences of both. Also considered are “Living Culture” and historical use of the land and water.
- Research Tools: Tools to collect data or information are described: these include accessing archive information, interviews, detailed mapping, GIS, LIDAR data, and satellite and drone images for cultural heritage research.
- Cultural Heritage Assessments: For conducting assessments, we discuss different survey methods and complete hands-on exercises in plant, wildlife, cultural heritage, and riparian feature inventories.
- Cultural Heritage Protection Techniques: Some methods, from the sharing of knowledge of what other communities and industries are undertaking, to protect cultural heritage are provided.
- Cultural Heritage Monitoring: Monitoring cultural heritage features is important and is described using historical and leading-edge technologies such as monitoring software, drones, trail cameras, photo-point monitoring and videography.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the CHM program, students will be able to:
- Define Archaeology in BC
- Define ‘Living Cultures’
- Identify and contrast contemporary issues in Archaeology
- Identify key procedures in an archaeological assessment
- Conduct standard sampling, excavation and analysis procedures
- Apply laws, regulations and protection measures of archaeological Sites
- Conduct local site and community visits
- Conduct practical heritage assessments
- Conduct research at the community level
- Identify community engagement and consultation methods
- Conduct a culturally appropriate interview and focus group
- Identify mapping techniques using maps and GIS
- Identify the application of modern CRM research technologies: radar, drones, photography and videography
- Assist in preparing a cultural overview assessment
- Develop a community-based Interview Guide
Prerequisites
None.
Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.
How do I attend?
The course is offered online as regularly scheduled deliveries (see the course schedule) and is also available via contract to organizations or community groups for in-community deliveries. For in-community deliveries, Cultural Heritage Assessment and Monitoring can be customized for an organization to meet their specific needs. To arrange a contract delivery, please contact us.
Course is typically 3-5 days in length but can be reduced if certain subjects are not applicable to the student.
Who attends?
Course participants typically include existing environmental technicians, Indigenous partners and community members and resource workers.
What should I bring or supply?
Course participants are required to provide their own personal field clothing (e.g., warm layers, sturdy boots, gloves, rain gear, etc.).
Course Format
The Cultural Heritage Monitor Program is typically delivered Tuesday-Thursday in any given week (this can be modified by request). The daily format can vary, as most everyday includes field training, which may involve travel to field sites. The CHM Program delivery ‘season’ will vary by region, as the program requires suitable field conditions (unfrozen soil, no snow on ground, etc.).
Customize Your Program
This course can also be customized for an organization and/or community based on their needs. In its standard format, this course is a three or five-day training program. NRTG can deliver this program independently or combined with another NRTG training program. For instance, this course could be delivered as a one week course along with our Environmental Field Skills Certificate Program, or any other NRTG training program.
Please contact us with your ideas and needs, and we’ll work with you to design and deliver a specialized training program that meets your needs.
Instructor Profile
Morgan Brown, RFT
NRTG Instructor and Forest Professional
Since 1990, Morgan has trained over 1,000 environmental practitioners. Highly regarded, Morgan uses his 30+ years of experience to passionately share knowledge and is able to deliver focused material that brings value to the client and students. Through patience, empathy, and kindness he makes a direct connection with many of the students and passes on his experience in a meaningful format.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cultural Heritage Monitor course is offered year-round.
No, there is no requirement to recertify for this program. If there is a significant pause in your environmental monitoring fieldwork (e.g., four years or more), we would recommend that you recertify with NRTG. Note: all NRTG courses include free, lifetime certification. Enrol once – come back anytime.
Absolutely! First, identify an upcoming CHM program of interest and notify NRTG well in advance of the start date. We will do our best to create a free seat for past NRTG students and coordinate your attendance during the program.
Course fees will vary by course delivery location. For further information, please refer to our Course Schedule.
