Flag-raising and smoke ceremonies marked the beginning of NAIDOC week on Monday morning.
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The event welcomed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descendants to the civic gardens in Bendigo to celebrate their history and culture.
Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Graham Atkinson said the event was about acknowledging the strong spiritual and cultural connection descendants had to the land of Bendigo.
"Everyone should be proud of their culture," he said.
The theme of this year's event is We all stand on sacred ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate.
NAIDOC chairperson Leanne Fary said the event was a good opportunity to bring her culture to the broader community.
"(The community) can learn a bit more about our culture," she said.
"For us as a committee, it is a culmination of all that we stand for.
"NAIDOC is for all Australians.
A lot of people may think it is not for them but it really is.
"The diversity of the program is relevant to everyone."
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Peter Cox said council was very proud to host the event at the Civic Gardens.
He said the council had worked closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to achieve reconciliation and improved health services.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community and their rich cultural heritage,” he said.
“It is appropriate the celebrations are held in the Civic Gardens, next to where the Aboriginal flag flies permanently and proudly above the Bendigo Town Hall each day.
“Over the coming week, I encourage our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous residents to join together and attend the many NAIDOC Week events taking place, as there is much we can learn from each other.”
Monday is NAIDOC Children’s Day featuring traditional games, native animals, traditional face painting and giveaways including jerseys donated by the Collingwood Football Club.
A community morning tea will beheld at the Anne Caudle Bendigo Health campus from 10am to 11am.
A community barbecue will be held at the Bendigo Police Stations from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
On Friday, St John of God will host a lunch with guest speaker from Weenthunga Health Network.
The lunch goes from 11.30am and is gold coin donation entry.
An art exhibition will be held throughout the week at Bendigo TAFE's MacGillivary Hall.