Despite the threat of rain more than 150 people gathered at Post Office Square in Meeanjin / Brisbane on Thursday to commemorate and celebrate the life of Aboriginal freedom fighter, Dundalli.
Dundalli was the last person publicly executed in Queensland and the event has been marked as a "truth-telling story of state significance" by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford.
"Everyone in Queensland should know the history of Dundalli; it is a truth-telling story of state significance," Minister Crawford said.
"This is the year when Queensland will introduce our historic treaty legislation in parliament, and the federal government has indicated Australia will go to a referendum on Voice."
The Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance group organised to commemorate Dundalli at Meeanjin's Post Office Square, the site of the former Queen Street Gaol where he was hanged in 1855.
Dundalli, a Dalla Lawman from the Blackall Ranges, was chosen to lead the resistance against European colonists, who were encroaching on their lands and shooting and poisoning the communities.
Under Indigenous law Dundalli sought retribution and restorative justice for his people for over a decade as he evaded capture and continued to lead attacks on settlers and their properties.
After he was captured in Fortitude Valley in 1854, Judge Roger Therry ordered Dundalli to be hanged on 5 January 1855.
Thursday's day of remembrance was emotional and inspiring with Uncle Wayne 'Coco' Wharton opening.
A number of touching poems and tributes from community members followed, including a touching verse by Uncle Fred Leone and a smoking ceremony afterwards.
"I will always strive to survive and keep our dreaming in tact
And infact our ancestors hold the key a civilisation that promotes peace love and harmony
But it's hard to see the future now that we're on the TV
Locking us in, our only sin is our skin
They push us out but we are one with this earth learn and let us in"
- Fred Leone
Uncle Wayne closed the commemorations with a powerful message about freedom and what that really means in the context of modern Australia.
"If Terra Nullius no longer exists then how the f*** do you have sovereignty over it?" Wharton asked.
"The answer to that is by force.
"We don't want your welfare, we want our freedom.
"When you go home and support what's happening around the world, you need to ask yourself, what is happening in my own backyard?" Wharton said.
