Community level Long Walks, in tribute to Essendon champion Michael Long's 2004 trek to Canberra and its enduring legacy, are a continuation of his call for action on First Nations issues, and to do it as one.
During Reconciliation Week, the Little Long Walks took place, as they have for years across Melbourne, Victoria and the Country.
Victoria University (VU) hosted their own in Footscray.
"Doing a Little Long Walk recognises the importance of how racism needs to be addressed in this country, and so people need to think about that and the reasons why the Little Long Walk actually exists," Yorta Yorta woman Karen Jackson said.
Ms Jackson is the director of VU's Indigenous Academic Unit, Moondani Balluk.
The Long Walk is an organisation inspired by Long's trek two over two decades ago which is "dedicated to keeping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and futures on the national agenda".
They, through education programs and ongoing walks, aim to inspire the next generations and continue its message.
In 2004, Long set off from Melbourne en route to Canberra to bring attention and speak about the ongoing critical issues faced by First Nations peoples.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians joined him along the journey.
In the national capital, Long met with then-prime minister John Howard to discuss.
"Through our educational programs in schools, we empower First Nations children with knowledge, culture, and opportunity, fostering pride and leadership for generations to come," The Long Walk outlines.
VU's walk added to the number organised by community groups, councils, schools and that ahead of Dreamtime at the 'G during the AFL's Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
"It's important for all people to come together from all different cultures and backgrounds. That's what Michael's messaging is all about." The Long Walk's Jenaya Serra said.
"These students that come along to events like this are showing leadership and standing up and taking that action. Uncle Michael always says that they're the next generation, they're our future, so we have to invest in them as much as they have to invest in us."
For VU research archivist and curator at The Aboriginal History Archive, Will Bracks, its one day reflective of the bigger picture.
"To me, this is part of what we do every day, really, which is trying to promote reconciliation, but also promote truth-telling and the process of cultural understanding in Australia that's not really been existent," he said.
Representatives from Western Health, Western Bulldogs' community Foundation, Maribyrnong Council, Footscray Community Arts, and more joined members of the broader community, VU staff, and staff on the day.
The group made their way around Footscray botanic gardens.
Wurundjeri senior Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, delivered the Welcome to Country, with her son Craig leading the smoking ceremony.
"The Long Walk is about coming together and taking issues to Parliament that still need to be addressed. If we have to go all the way up there and keep knocking on the door, then hopefully we will have a safer, more equitable life for each and every one of us," VU Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said.
Wiradjuri Nari Nari man and Western Health cultural safety manager, Chris Delamont, said standing together in solidarity key in the event.
The walk is more than a walk, he added.
