Wagga's first corroboree in more than 150 years took place at the weekend in a celebration of the city's traditional landowners, the Wiradjuri people.
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One of the oldest traditions in Indigenous Australian history, the corroboree saw thousands turn up to join the celebration.
Wiradjuri man and former Wagga resident Joe Williams said it was a beautiful display of unity in the community.
"This has been 150 years in the making and it was just an incredibly beautiful gathering," Mr Williams said.
"This was about showing young people that they can have pride and respect for who they are as people and their culture."
Mr Williams said the Corroboree Wagga Wagga Ngulangumbilanha, which translates to "returning home to a sacred gathering place", saw men, women and children dance together to share a message of respect.
"If we are proud of our culture as Aboriginal people, then we show we have a culture of respect not just for ourselves but for people from all walks of the community," he said.
"Even when the main men's group came on to dance that I was a part of, I could see tears in people's eyes.
"Elders had everything that was practiced that night ripped away from them so there was a sense of pride to see it revived."
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The event was more than just that, according to Mr Williams, acting as a means of planting the seed of respect in the community.
"Everyone is calling for more culture and more unity and respect in the community, so that is an indication the message is getting out there," he said.
"Last night was a seat at our table. We've been sitting at a table for 230 years that we've been uncomfortable at, and now we invited the community to join us at that table in a beautiful celebration."
While the next corroboree will not be 150 years away, Mr William's said they have other communities to empower as well before returning to Wagga.
"We thank the Aboriginal community who invited us, the Wagga community for supporting us, and the Wagga Council for supporting us as well," he said.