Indigenous groups believe their long history should be included in civil conversations about Australia Day, to help people unite and move forward.
The shared their thoughts as indigenous and non-indigenous Australians came together in a small park in Brisbane on Saturday to mark the survival of First Nations people.
While official events to mark the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 were taking place, thousands of people marched across the country to protest some of what Australia Day stands for.
Ruby Wharton, a Gomeroi Koona woman, says solutions to closing the divide between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians are not inclusive.
"These discussions have been going on for years and it's about time that the rest of Australia and those with the power come and sit down, and listen," she said.
"There are that many empty seats at our dinner table, people are more than welcome to come and join our discussion."
Ms Wharton, one of the organisers of Saturday's invasion day march in Brisbane, wants more opportunities and better outcomes for Aboriginal people.
She says uniting in a push for social change has given her strength in the face of deeply-rooted racism.
"It's not a matter of whether I feel that I'm different, it's that this society makes me aware of it," she said.
"My difference is not a threat, my difference is not a problem, my difference does not affect anybody else."
Mally Currie, a Mununjali man, wants conversations about Australia Day to take in the nation's indigenous history.
"As soon as we change the mood and start speaking civil to one another consciously, the better we can move forward," he said.
"Walk with me, talk with me, hold my hand.
"It's a journey of respect."
