Beach steps towards recognition
"I know who I am. I'm a Yamatji man from the Mid West of Western Australia . . . but in the Constitution, I'm still a 'native'."
With those words, actor and activist Ernie Dingo led hundreds of people in a rally at the Cottesloe foreshore to support recognising indigenous Australians in the Constitution.
Mr Dingo and Eagles legend David Wirrpanda led the Perth leg of the Journey to Recognition relay along the beachfront.
He said it was crucial for indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to speak up in favour of the proposed referendum.
"One of the things you've got to remember is that if you do not state your name, you will be given one," Mr Dingo said. "I know my law and I know my culture. I know my skin."
Run by the Recognise campaign, the relay has travelled more than 16,000km throughout Australia since its launch in May.
Mr Wirrpanda said the bipartisan and community support for the referendum was crucial.
"It's been a long time coming but we're confident it will go through," he said. "I wish my mum was alive to see it."
