Tremane Baxter-Edwards is still in his teens but already has an impressive track record as a young leader.

Hailing from Wyndham in WA's Kimberley region, the 18 year-old was in Boorloo/Perth for National Reconciliation Week, speaking alongside former Senator Pat Dodson at reconciliation events.

Mr Baxter-Edwards works as a tour guide in the East Kimberley, has a keen interest in policy development, and also works with Minister Malarndirri McCarthy.

"I love learning and listening to people. I attend a lot of conferences, and I think it's because I care. It's because I love this country and I love the people that I interact with," he said.

The young Ngarinyin-Walmajarri man told National Indigenous Times he is "very passionate about reconciliation" and always has been.

"Pat Dodson is someone that I've looked up to since I was small, so to be able to stand next to a giant of the reconciliation movement is a great honour and a great privilege," he said.

Mr Baxter-Edwards said efforts to progress reconciliation efforts in Australia in recent times have been "very challenging".

"We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people post referendum have had a tougher challenge in terms of racism… unfortunately, and we're seeing that in stats, and we're seeing that in even the public comment sections of Facebook, for example," he said.

"So, you don't have to look too far to see the negative connotation of First Nations people and in post referendum era, I think the referendum has bee a setback, but is not an end to the reconciliation movement.

"We see that the reconciliation movement has been spanning generations, and, to really hear Pat Dodson speak on reconciliation as a whole is profound, of course. I think the journey is has not finished. It's not done. It's just taken a different course… it's just a mild setback."

Mr Baxter-Edwards said the next stage will "need people to really come to the table, government, NGOs, you name it".

"I think what makes it easier is that the federal Labor government has committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. I don't think that the government is going to back out of that fully. I think they're just going to have a closer, microscopic look at how we actually come about this, this particular journey.

"It has become a bit of a talking point in politics recently, and I won't comment on the federal election, but what I will say is that if you stoke something like that, I don't think Australians want that. We saw recently that how big of an effect stoking the flames of negativity, of negative connotations, and overlooking Indigenous people in this Country ca have. It's not going to go sit well with the average Australian.

"We need to, as a nation, have a really good, hard look at ourselves, and also sit down and focus on how we go forward, at how important the next generation is in making sure that the reconciliation movement keeps going and that the fire is still there."

The young leader's message to other young people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, during Reconciliation Week is to listen and learn.

"I think learn. I think really switch on your ears, your heart, your mind. It doesn't take a lot to come to an event during Reconciliation Week. It's an incredible week.

"I think the message of reconciliation is so important to our country, that's why people should really come to these events switched on, and actually come with ideas too. I think everyone relies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have all the answers, and they expect the government to have the answers. But that's not entirely true, and it's not sustainable, and it shouldn't work like that.

"I think everyone should come with a ideas and an open mindset, because you're really going to make a difference throughout the week… Switch on your minds and your hearts, because it takes a lot, this week. It is draining for a lot of people, particularly for First Peoples and so, have that thought and that compassion."

Mr Baxter-Edwards said he believes Australians are prepared "to confront our very deep and dark history".

"But what I would say to the average Australian is that we're not blaming anyone. We're not guilt tripping anybody. All we're saying is that truth-telling is important. I think truth-telling, in its full capacity, is super important to the reconciliation movement. You can't have reconciliation without truth-telling and without vision.

"I think Australians want to know more about our history. Want to learn more, but it's whether we're equipped to do so, whether people are giving us the opportunity, whether government is allowing for us to learn about that, that dark history, for example.

"I also think, as a nation, how far have come, particularly with the reconciliation movement, and as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we've got a lot to celebrate. I think reflecting on the past and truth-telling is so important and so critical to the reconciliation movement, but also celebrating how far we've come as First Nations people."