From the doors of a site carrying the legacy of First Nations trailblazers to the steps of Parliament House, the streets of Naarm swelled on Friday with recognition and celebration of half a century of NAIDOC Week.
Thousands walked the annual NAIDOC March, some in their neighbourhood and others coming from hours away to be there.
People gathered outside the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) on Nicholson Street in Fitzroy from mid-morning.
Elders, community leaders and advocates and young people shared the mics and megaphones to champion culture and honour the staunch advocacy of those who came before.
Following speeches, the march set off south towards the CBD.
Wurundjeri man and Indigenous educator Thane Garvey told the crowd "there's no limit to the love and kindness we can show our people".
He said NAIDOC week is a special time bringing the community together for celebration, and to continue the staunch work of figures like WIlliam Cooper.
Mr Cooper played a critical role in NAIDOC's origins with protest dating back to 1938.
The National Aborigines Day Observance Committee was established in the 1950s before extending into a week-long event in 1975.
Aunty Jill Gallagher told National Indigenous Times the march continues to be "a demonstration of unity, and a demonstration to the rest of the world that we're here".
First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria elected member for Metro Region Indi Clarke said 50 years of NAIDOC means "50 years of deadly, and plenty of deadly".
"It's so powerful to be here and thinking about the history that we come from.. (the march is) such a beautiful moment of seeing our mob come together, seeing the allies come and walk with us, to stand in the power that has been from before us and to continue that legacy of fighting for the rights of our people," he added.
Chants echoed through the streets along the procession.
"Listen listed with your ears. 50, 50 deadly years" and "Strong and deadly, proud and Black.. I just want my land back" were new additions.
"Always was, always will be Aboriginal land" and "No pride is genocide" roared.
Torres Strait man Jack said the march is a "representation of our mob and our and what we're here for".
Nalarni, 17, said being at the march is important to her, "to celebrate my people and ancestors and my culture".
Kady and Seianna travelled three hours from Shepparton with their family to be there.
"We've come down here to be part of 50 years of NAIDOC. We're proud to be here and support all our elders, all our young mob, all the people here.
"To come and connect with our people, and do something that's right for us all."
