ABORIGINAL and Islander men will march through Melbourne’s streets next month to reclaim their place in the community and reinforce culture as a way forward.

The 1000 Warrior March is the brainchild of Darebin men with links to a range of indigenous organisations.

March spokesman Alan Brown, a Preston resident, said the men participating in the November 5 march would make a pledge to honour values, which would make them stronger, healthier and better role models within their community.

“We see embracing each other as brothers and walking together and taking responsibility as a solution to the crisis we are in,” Mr Brown said.

The State Government’s 2009-10 report into indigenous health found the life expectancy of men was 67 compared with 79 for non-indigenous men. “(Men) need to be strong and stop smoking, cut the grog and throw the drugs away,” Mr Brown said.

“We’re not seeing this as ‘poor us’, but as a chance to change our focus and stand up for our rights and show we are role models for our families and our young.”

The march leaves Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy, on Saturday, November 5, at 10am.