The Yoorrook Justice Commission held a ceremonial hearing on Gunditjmara country near western Victoria's Portland, where Edward Henty established the first European settlement in 1834.
The next three weeks of hearings focus on injustices against Indigenous Victorians related to land, sky and waters.
Hearings will include testimony from Premier Jacinta Allan and Water Minister Harriet Shing.
"What our people have been through since invasion will be told through the stories to Yoorrook Justice Commission," Gunditjmara elder Donna Wright said.
She said the hearings were being held in their rightful place.
"In this part of our country, there's a glorification of the colonisers who stole our land, the massacres, the murders, the frontier violence, violence against our women and our children as well," Ms Wright said.
"It did not stop us. We're still here and we're still fighting."
Inquiry commissioner Travis Lovett said Gunditjmara Mirring country told the story of colonisation "from beginning to end" in one region.
"The first recorded massacre in Victoria took place at the Convincing Ground on Kilcarer country, which we will also visit today," Mr Lovett said.
"It is there that the European whalers used their guns to fend off the Kilcarer Gundidj people from accessing their own resources, which they had done for thousands of years prior."
Several of the upcoming hearings will be held on country.
"During this time, you'll also hear more evidence about how the theft of land, water and resources has impacted and continues to impact First Peoples today," Mr Lovett said.
"We invite all Victorians to walk with us. To listen, to learn and share our history."
