Indigenous Tasmanians hope the creation of an inaugural reconciliation council can bridge divides and open a truthful dialogue about the nation's history.
With the launch of the Reconciliation Council of Tasmania, the Apple Isle became the final state or territory to have a body of that kind.
Aboriginal elder Rodney Dillon shared his close connection with country at a ceremony in Hobart on Wednesday.
"Our people were property owners, our people owned the waters," he said.
"Today we don't own much of the property and none of the waters.
"This is a starting point to turn these things around to make a better future for our people.
"We need to talk about the truth of history in this country and we don't do that well."
Tasmania was the last state to amend its Constitution in recognition of its first people, while in December Aboriginal Tasmanians were officially recognised as the state's original inhabitants.
Mr Dillon, who is the co-chair of the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Community Alliance, said he hoped the council would move beyond symbolism.
"Over the next ten years we want to see Aboriginal organisations get more resources and sharing those resources," he said.
"It could be access to oceans, access to growing things and building tourism ventures.
"It's a bridge to start some of those things."
Improving indigenous health, housing and education is at the top of the council's list, convenor Bill Lawson said.
Mr Lawson said he'd received more than 180 applications of interest for positions on the council, which will include six Aboriginal and six non-Aboriginal directors.
"We've just launched the ship and need to get it out to sea," he added.
Liberal premier Will Hodgman, Labor opposition leader Rebecca White and Greens' Cassy O'Connor all pledged to work with the council.
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