Reconciliation Week was celebrated in true style in Queanbeyan on Tuesday.
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Thousands of school children walked stride in stride with the Indigenous community to pay their respects but to also share a symbolic commitment to move forward together.
The celebration was greeted by a perfect Queanbeyan day –the sun shone through blue skies, and as the march slowly moved up Lowe Street and through the park it was greeted by an assortment of autumn leaves.
Proud Ngunawal man Daniel Williams played his didgeridoo, or yadaki as he preferred it to be named.
He said the day was about acknowledging people who have come before and also about coming together as one.
“Kids start to recognise the importance of reconciling each other's differences and putting everybody in the same boat,” Mr Williams said.
“We all live in one environment, in one Australia, we should nurture it and make the most of it.”
Mr Williams said the focus on understanding and embracing Indigenous culture had improved.
"Years ago, I remember the first Reconciliation March had such a small group with not many schools involved, but now we got Indigenous liaison officers and teachers working through the schools,” he said.
"Reconciliation gives the kids a sense that we can march together for a good cause."
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council administrator Tim Overall said the march was twice as big as it has ever been, estimating about 2000 people taking part.
“As we came around the corner of Lowe Street and Monaro Street, I looked back and they were still coming over the Queens Bridge,” he said.
“It’s about us taking the next step together. It’s about working with our local Aboriginal people in the spirit of reconciliation.”
