Only 13 indigenous Australians have competed at the Paralympics since the Games began in 1960, and Rio silver medallist Amanda Reid says that needs to change.
Reid is one of two young Indigenous women to compete in Brazil, alongside sprinter Torita Isaac.
The 19-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, posted a personal best time to place second in the C1-2-3 500m time trial on Saturday.
She became the first indigenous athlete to win a medal in eight years.
"It means a lot to represent my mob back home and the whole of Australia as well," Reid said.
"They were over the moon, they were all crying. But it still hasn't sunk in."
Rio is Reid's second Games but this time she's swapped swimming for cycling.
"I got bored of following that black line up and down," she said.
Having made the transition to the bike a little more than a year ago, the Sydneysider is confident about the future and is aiming for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The world championship silver medallist wants more indigenous kids and adults with a disability to get into sport.
"You dream it, believe it, you'll be it. There's always support out there," she said.
Legally blind Torita Isaac hopes she can inspire youngsters to give athletics a go like her hero, Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman did for her.
The 21-year old Queenslander finished fourth with a personal best in the 400m T38 on Wednesday.
The London Paralympian, who has cerebral palsy and vision impairment, says she carries her heritage everywhere she goes.
"I'm proud of who I am and where I'm from," Isaac said.
"Hopefully one day we can carry our flag out on the stadium. Not just represent Australia but represent our community too."
