The Long Walk 2008

Saturday 24 May, 2008

MC Aaron Pedersen and The Long Walk Chairperson, Merryn Apma. Tiger Stripe & Skeeta. Daniel Hume checks out the Cultural Games.

The Long Walk celebrated the positive achievements of Indigenous communities with a community celebration at Fed Square before the annual commemorative walk.

The stage featured local acts Johnny Mac and Meriki Hood, Birri-on Lakidjeka Dancers, Glen Atkinson and The Long Walk anthem 'Come Walk with Me' performed by Michael Long, Chris Aitken, Jane Rutter, Archie Roach and many friends. 

Michael Long is joined on flute by Jane Rutter, Archie Roach on vocals. Peter King from Unity Foundation launched Get the Conversation Started. Glen Atkinson made his first public appearance.

Stalls by local Indigenous businesses, organisations and units provided lots of information and interesting small items for sale. Oxfam sold teeshirts and provided close the gap information, Koorie Heritage Trust had teeshirts and other interesting objects, Indigikids had unique kids clothing, Healesville Indigenous Artists collective displayed artwork, Stolen Generations Victoria had information about their programs and supportive universities, Victoria Uni, LaTrobe Uni had information about courses for Indigenous students.

The program featured Reconciliation Australia and Stolen Generations Victoria's response to the national apology, highlighted positive programs in Indigenous health with the help of Close the Gap and launched The Long Walk's partnership with Unity Foundation to deliver our schools program Get the Conversation Started.

Larry Walsh roved the square telling traditional stories, assisted by his daughter who assisted him with AUSLAN translation, Skeeta and Tiger Stripe entertained the crowds, as did Deadly Dan Smoke Free Man and Sport and Recreation Victoria kept the young ones busy with Indigenous Cultural Games.

Jenny Macklin MP, Michael Long and 4,500 commemorate The Long Walk. Kids from Birri-on Lakidjeka dance group and Auskick. Victorian Indigenous community members

Over 4,500 people attended Fed Square and joined Michael Long, 2004 walkers and members of the Stolen Generation on The Long Walk to Dreamtime at the G.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a great success.  The Long Walk hopes it has raised awareness of the positive programs that already exist in our community in an effort to give them much needed support.  This awareness raising will continue year round with other activities planned later in the year. Stay tuned for the annual Women's Long Lunch and details of the Men's Breakfast.

Kerry Armstrong and Family. Russell Smith, Jessica Mauboy, Michael Long and Jane Rutter. Briggs family.

A special thanks to the 100 plus volunteers that helped hand out Glow Sticks and wristbands, rattle tins and sell tees, CD's and minifooties on Saturday 24 May.    

All photos by Alison McColl-Bullock and Savanna Kruger.

Download the day's program here

See Telstra's footage of The Long Walk 2008