Hundreds of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people gathered at Fremantle’s iconic Roundhouse on Saturday in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation.

A ceremony was held at the former West Australian prison overlooking the Indian Ocean that organisers say was to release the spirits of Indigenous prisoners who died there and at Wadjemup (Rottnest Island).

From the late 19th to early 20th century, thousands of Indigenous prisoners from around Western Australia were shipped from the Roundhouse to Wadjemup where hundreds would die in horrendous conditions.

One of Saturday’s event organisers Noongar man Robert Eggington said the ceremony was a significant event.

“I think the reason that a lot of non-Aboriginal people turned up today is to be part of their history, their nationhood and their identity,” he said.

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“Because what you can’t do is just take what you consider the best of your history and live in accordance to that.

“You’ve also got to take all of what that history represents and be respectful of that.”

The healing ceremony started a day of alternative Australia Day celebrations in Fremantle including free performances by Indigenous artist Dan Sultan, and musicians John Butler and Mama Kin.

The city council attracted controversy when it decided to move official celebrations away from January 26 out of respect to Indigenous people.

Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt said that decision then led to the healing ceremony, which was completely run by Indigenous people.

“What was so pleasing was just seeing so many people down here to be part of the conversation that we’ve been trying to start which is acknowledging the past and being part of the healing and moving forward,” he said.