Indigenous diggers march through Redfern

Organisers of the Coloured Diggers' March say Indigenous people have served in all of Australia's main wars from the Boer War onwards.

One of the organisers, Pastor Ray Minniecon, says it is important the public remember contributions made by Indigenous soldiers.

"We just want to make sure that people know that our people fought in every World War, from the Boer War right through to the Peace Corps," he said.

"We want to make sure that they are recognised appropriately and that our community wants to honour them in our own way."

Harry Allie served with the Australian Air Force for more than 23 years.

He says the military helped break down racial barriers.

"When you served you were mates no matter what colour, race or religion," he said.

"You were there to get a job done and you had to depend on the mate that was alongside you."

Mr Allie says it is important to remember the soldiers who had to leave their communities.

"When we were serving in the services we had families and we were away from the community, and it meant so much to us and our families because that's the identity of who we are," he said.

This is the second year the Coloured Diggers' March has taken place to remember the contribution of Indigenous soldiers.

The march started at The Block and is ending in a memorial service at St Saviours Church in Redfern.

Photo (ABC: Michael Janda): Indigenous veterans at the start of the Coloured Diggers March.

Audio: 'Coloured Digger' talks to the ABC's Michael Janda (ABC News)