Hundreds of people from around the region gathered at the Dharnya Centre in Barmah on Wednesday to enjoy ‘Dharnya Day’.
‘Dharnya Day’ is hosted annually by the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation as part of its NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The day began with a Welcome to Country led by Michael Bourke and a smoking ceremony prepared by Ralph Hume.
After the smoking ceremony, Yorta Yorta artist Neil Morris spoke about the Aboriginal community’s history and their fight against colonisation.
Mr Morris said while there was still work to be done, celebrating their culture could still continue to happen.
“When our people could first speak in English, some of the first things that they did was advocate for our rights,” he said.
“And so here we are still advocating for our rights, but also at the same time celebrating our culture.
“Everything that our people have ever done has always been for future generations... and here, right in this place where we stand today, is one of the most powerful, potent primary examples of how we can stand and continue to rise as Indigenous people.”
A few other community representatives also spoke at the event, including YYNAC chief executive John Kerr, Uncle Bobby Nicholls and Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled.
As this year's theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, Mr Kerr emphasised the importance of supporting the youth as they are the future.
“Our young people are learning the old ways, standing tall in their identity and speaking with strength and clarity,” he said.
“As a community, we must commit to invest in our youth. We must listen, support and empower our youth because they carry the flame forward. They are not just tomorrow's leaders, they are leaders of today also.
“So this NAIDOC week and every week, let us honour our past, empower the present and walk proud in the future. All is one together.”
After the speeches, the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags were raised by two Elders and a mother with her child, to represent the ongoing relationship between the youth and the Elders.
Guests were also treated to dances from the Wulumbarra Dance Group and the Winyarr Dance Group, led by Vanessa Harbrow.
The dancers performed on top of a sand design reflecting the same pattern featured on the Yorta Yorta 1853 cloak, created by Ralph Hume.
The event spanned the Dharnya space, with stalls in the Dharnya Centre and outside its surrounds.
Organisations such as Treaty for Victoria, Echuca Regional Health, Bendigo TAFE and Rumbalara were among the stallholders.
At the opposite end of the site, there were more stalls selling clothes with Aboriginal art designs, jewellery, accessories and much more.
Guests also had the chance to get crafting by making beaded feather necklaces, clay earrings, emu feather belts, emu feather headbands or weaving.