Marking the beginning of a week-long period dedicated to learning and reflection, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) commenced in Western Australia with Reconciliation breakfasts held across the state, from Albany to Karratha.
In Boorloo (Perth), more than a thousand West Australians united in solidarity at the Reconciliation WA event at Optus Stadium, which commenced with a cultural performance by the Karla Hart Dancers and included a breakfast featuring native ingredients.
A long list of distinguished guests, including Elders, politicians, Stolen Generation survivors, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees, were warmly welcomed at the gates by Barry Winmar, who conducted a smoking ceremony.
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Early risers were invited by MCs Toby Millar, a proud Larrakia and Wadjigan man, and reconciliation ally Meri Fatin to reflect on this year's NRW theme, 'Now More Than Ever'.
Carefully chosen in response to the 'No' vote that prevented an Indigenous Voice to Parliament being enshrined within Australia's constitution, it is a reminder to all Australians that "as reconciliation supporters, we must stand up and play an important role in amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples," according to Reconciliation WA Co-Chairs Nolan Hunter and Debra Zanella.
Crediting the referendum for platforming important Indigenous issues to the forefront of all Australians, proud Bardi and Yawuru man Nolan Hunter said that this year's theme is an urgent call to action that, "we have to do something".
Speaking to National Indigenous Times, Mr Hunter said that the conversation surrounding the circumstances of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians must continue to be addressed.
"This is about Blak and white Australia, this is about us all sharing the load and coming together," he said.
"Having the ability to not only just do truth-telling but truth-listening, walking together, for a better community and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous - we are all Australians."
Asking the crowd whether they were ready for uncomfortable conversations, Noongar Elder Dr Richard Barry Walley OAM emphasised the importance of these discussions for societal progress.
Taking the time to educate the crowd, Dr Walley shared the journey and progress of the Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) Project, which aims to deliver truth-telling, ceremony, and commemoration programs to acknowledge and reconcile the island's Aboriginal prison history.
"No matter where you are, you hold a space and it's the tapestry that brings us together," said Dr Walley.
He continued to explain that "it's the old cliche that ... you may not think you're important but you pull that one thread and the whole tapestry falls apart, so each and every one of us plays our role".
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Activist Herbert Bropho took to the stage to extend an invitation to Premier Roger Cook and WA Commissioner of Police Col Blanch to put their differences aside to discuss the problems that face Indigenous communities.
Promising to continue his hard work as an activist, Mr Bropho told the crowd, "today we stand in solidarity as people who want to see a path and a future".
With culture at the forefront of discussions, the proceedings wound up with an exclusive performance from Jarred Wall and Jess Hitchcock, the leads in WA Opera's Noongar rendition of Romeo and Juliet, Wundig wer Wilura.
Reconciliation WA CEO Jody Nunn said this year's NRW events will focus on the future and hope for a better Western Australia.
With several events remaining in the program, NRW participants can take part in Reconciliation Yarns and Memoirs or join the Reconciliation Walk on Friday 31 May.
