The next generation of Aboriginal leaders is receiving a crash course in democracy as part of the first National Indigenous Youth Parliament.
Forty-eight Aboriginal people aged under 25 are in Canberra for a six-day leadership program.
They’re learning about how laws are made, public speaking and media training.
The participants are also debating mock laws about issues important to their communities.
The YMCA and Australian Electoral Commission are running the event.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin met the young leaders on Wednesday night.
She urged them to get involved in the campaign for constitutional recognition for indigenous people.
“We have in this room the next generation of indigenous leaders,” she said.
“You have a voice – use it.”