NAIDOC week kicked off in Blacktown on Saturday with a day of music, food and celebrations.
The event had an emphasis on focusing on the future and making sure traditional stories get passed on to a younger generation. Robert Leslie, an Aboriginal community development worker at Blacktown City Council says the day is a stepping stone to wider community recognition of Indigenous people.
"A day like today is really important, not just to talk about culture but talking about reconciliation.
"We want our young people to identify as Aboriginal people, so we have to encourage people to get involved," he says.
Stallholder and local artist Kim Loweke says this year's celebrations are bigger than ever.
"This year there are a lot more people. It does mean a lot."
A highlight of the day was a performance by the local Mount Druitt Indigenous Children's Choir, a group of 30 children, aged from 2 to 15.
"We deal with kids from pretty bad circumstances, and we are trying to restore a bit of pride and hope in them," says Neil Earl, a volunteer with the choir. To these young singers, NAIDOC week is an "important week" and something Mr Earl says they "look forward to".
A local elder and storyteller, Uncle Wes Marne, says one week "isn't enough" but is a step in the right direction.
"We all come together for these days, there are so many positive things happening in the area."
Uncle Wes is positive the future of Indigenous culture is in good hands.
"From here on we can't do anything but go forward."
NAIDOC celebrations will be happening all over the state from the July 5-12.
More information can be found at http://www.naidoc.org.au/
