Uncle Jack Charles has been honoured with the NAIDOC Male Elder of the year award just days after revealing he was 'retraumatised' after being asked to prove he was Aboriginal by the Victorian government's Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme.
Mr Charles said the award was a "surprise" on stage at the ceremony, and later spoke with host Narelda Jacobs, who asked him how he felt following the revelations during the week.
"What a hoot," he said.
"NAIDOC mob never ask me that ... [it's] fantastic, I am much loved here."
The Wiradjuri, Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woi Wurrung and Yorta Yorta actor also said there's some great roles ahead of him and he is far from done, cheekily joking about the sitcom Neighbours.
"They have never casted many people in Ramsay Street of any Aboriginality," he joked.
Mr Charles was announced just before Aunty Lois Peeler was given the Female Elder of the year award.
Aunty Lois Peeler was thrilled to be honoured with NAIDOC Female Elder of the year Source: NITV
