Students drawn to the tent learned the tent embassy was erected in Canberra to protest a decision by the McMahon Liberal Government to reject a proposal for Aboriginal land rights.

Initially carried out under a beach umbrella, the movement has grown to become a national symbol for the political struggles and successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Here in Eden and the Bega Valley, the Koori people invited the wider community to gather for storytelling, dancing, cooking and art and schools held special assemblies.

Four hundred and eighty students visited Monaroo Bobberer Gudu at Jigamy Farm where they learnt about tools, weapons and art, took part in traditional dancing and feasted on Johnny cakes and oysters.

A big celebration was held in Bega on Friday and honoured with an address by Kerry Reed-Gilbert, daughter of Tent Embassy co-founder Kevin Gilbert.

She said there was much to celebrate but still much to do.

“What my father and others stood for in 1972 is still relevant today, because we are still fighting for a treaty and to be recognised in the constitution,” she said.

“We still don’t have self-determination and self-management, but we do have our spirit, as today shows.

“We are all one mob.”

Tonight celebrations continue in Eden at the Eden Youth Centre Campbell-Page in Bass Street from 4pm to 8pm.

Members of the community are invited to attend the judging of the art competition and stay for a reef and beef barbecue.

There will be also be displays of recent artworks by Koori children using didgeridoos, boomerangs, clap sticks and digging sticks.