The Echuca-Moama community is being urged to help keep up the momentum for change by taking part in a symbolic and meaningful Reconciliation Walk next week.
The walk, from Alton Reserve to Hopwood Gardens is taking place from 10am on Monday, May 29.
Led by a Rainbow Serpent, the walk will start with a smoking ceremony and end with a Welcome to Country and flag-raising ceremony.
“We want as many people as possible to join us as a really strong message that the Echuca-Moama community is walking together on reconciliation,” Njernda Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Tracey Dillon said.
“The Reconciliation Walk is a chance to showcase the strength of our First Nations heritage and culture, but it's also a chance to highlight the things every one of us can do to create a more just and equitable community.
“With a referendum coming up later this year on a Voice to Parliament, now is a good time to reflect on how First Nations people are heard and respected.”
The walk is taking place during Reconciliation Week, which runs from tomorrow until Saturday, June 3.
This year’s theme is “Be a voice for generations”, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives — where we live, work and socialise.
“Campaspe Shire Council recognises the importance of our shared history, the relationships and the reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples not just in our region, but everywhere in Australia,” Mayor Rob Amos said.
“Reconciliation week is a time for reflection and unity.
“This year’s theme is a reminder that as Australians, we should strive to be courageous and be allies to each other in our everyday lives, as we seek to tackle the process of reconciliation to become a unified community.”
Njernda is also hosting a breakfast to mark National Sorry Day today.
The event is being held at the Njernda Medical Centre on Hare St and begins at 7am.
Sorry Day is when the community recognises the continuing impacts of Indigenous people forcibly removed from their families under government policies.