Forbes launched its NAIDOC celebrations on Monday, and Tahlia Horvat expressed her hope that this year's theme is a positive message and way forward.
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That theme is "Voice, treaty, truth - let's work together for a shared future" and Tahlia reflected on that as she MC'd the official opening of local events at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre.
"The Indigenous voice of this country is more than 65,000 years old with languages that pass down law, culture and knowledge," she said.
Formal acknowledgement of that heritage, ensuring Indigenous language is passed through the generations, and telling the true stories of colonisation "provide a way forward towards unity for all of us", Tahlia said.
Community members and children from local schools and childcare centres gathered at the Dreaming Centre, where the River Spirit Cultural Arts team conducted a smoking ceremony, traditional song and dance.
Celebrations continue Wednesday, with a march through town about 10am.
The march will proceed from Cross Street, down Lachlan Street, to Victoria Park for traditional performances, Indigenous games, arts and craft. All are welcome.
Official proceedings will be capped with the awards, recognising our Indigenous Citizen of the Year, Indigenous Youth of the Year, Indigenous Sports Person and Indigenous Creative Person.
The movie night at the Dreaming Centre is now scheduled for Thursday evening, with food from about 6pm and the screening of Bernie the Dolphin from 7pm.
On Friday there will be closing ceremony at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 4pm - 7pm.
RIGHT: Yarrangirri introduces the smoking ceremony.
