In North-East Arnhem Land, traditional Yolngu dancers had some strong words of support for Sydney Swan Adam Goodes: "Keep going brother, we're all behind you."
Before the opening of the four-day Garma Festival near Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory on Friday, a group of about a dozen Aboriginal dancers painted themselves in the Swans colours, with 37 on their backs to represent Goodes, as they danced to reject racism.
The AFL player has taken time off after months of sustained booing that began after he took a stand against racist abuse during games, hurling an invisible spear at the audience during a game earlier this year in a gesture of triumphant defiance.
"We can do this for him and dance for him, make him well, make him strong, put him on the front, and all his team," dancer Timmy Galalingu told AAP.
"That's law for us, to make them stand up (tall) again."
Rising young Yolgnu leader Gabirri Yunupingu said he was upset to see that in 2015, little appeared to have changed for Aboriginal sportspeople.
"It's a shame, but what Goodesy's doing is standing up to racism, he's showing the way, and we support him in that," he said.
Even booers who said they weren't racist but just didn't like how Goodes played the game were buying into racism, he said.
"Even if they don't think it's racism, it's bullying and that's no good, he shouldn't cop it week in and week out," Mr Yunupingu said.
"You can see his mental health is now affecting him, and it should be stopped."
He said football players had high social standing and were admired as "gods" in indigenous communities across Australia.
He said Goodes' original spear-throwing action was very important for indigenous people to see.
"Displaying our culture that is not really celebrated in our country, we're very proud of him and what he's doing," he said.
Despite Goodes' departure on leave, Mr Yunupingu said he'd like to see him back in the game.
"I don't think he should ever give up, they should keep playing and know everyone in the nation is behind him."
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion applauded the dancers.
"It's tremendous to see the support given to our mate Goodesy, he really needs the support," he told the festival.
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