After suffering an unimaginable loss, the loved ones of Cassius Turvey say his death has provided an opportunity for healing.
Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelight vigil in Perth on Monday night to mourn the 15-year-old, whose alleged murder has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger.
Cassius, a Noongar Yamatji boy, was allegedly bashed with a metal pole while walking home from school with friends on October 13.
He suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital 10 days later.
Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with his murder and is due to face a Perth court on November 9.
Aboriginal leaders in Perth have condemned the "cowardly, racist act against an innocent child" and urged authorities to heed their concerns.
Cassius's uncle Mark Kickett told the vigil First Nations voices had to be heard.
"It is now time for us to look really deep into our own souls, and to have an understanding of what needs to take place if there indeed is going to be healing," he said.
"It's time for the voice of Aboriginal, Islander and First Nations people to stand up and be heard, and to be counted."
Local federal MP Tania Lawrence, who paid an emotional tribute to Cassius in parliament last week, said a national dialogue was needed.
"Ready or not, we have to have that conversation," she told AAP.
"I think there's this undercurrent of racism that has held Australia for too long, and we can't be defined by it.
"We have to be better than this, and at the moment, we're not."
Attendees at the vigil were invited to take gum leaves or branches and add them to 15 smoking fire pits arranged in a circle, each representing a year of Cassius's life.
Friends and family described him as a "teddy bear" with an infectious smile who was always there for others.
His mother Mechelle Turvey told the vigil she and her late husband had agonised over what to call the baby boy before his older brother Jay suggested the name Cassius, in a nod to the birth name of boxing great Muhammad Ali.
"That name represents Cassius to the tee," Ms Turvey said.
"So many people have said so many things about Cassius but my son is my greatest."
Police have said Cassius was walking with friends when they were approached by Brearley, who had been a passenger in a ute.
It's alleged he chased the youths before attacking Cassius with a metal pole.
Detectives have identified four people they believe were inside the ute but are yet to charge anyone else.
Rallies commemorating Cassius's death will be held across the country on Wednesday but Ms Turvey urged attendees not to exploit his passing.
"We know racism exists," she said.
"But do not use my son's tragedy as a platform to blow your trumpets."
