The constitutional recognition debate is set to heat up as an historic national indigenous convention kicks off at Uluru.

This week more than 250 Aboriginal leaders from across the country will meet in Central Australia to reach a united position on what amendments to the founding document might look like.

The aim is to hammer out a referendum proposal to put to voters, and there’s likely to be tensions between those pushing for bold structural reform and others who fear an ambitious approach won’t succeed.

On Tuesday evening, Mutitjulu welcomed delegates in an opening ceremony with performers from the local community, Arnhem Land and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait.

Men danced in front of Uluru at the site where the land was handed back to the Anangu people in 1985.

Women sang to the sounds of didgeridoos, drums and clap sticks as kids played in the red dirt and camp dogs scurried about.

Traditional owner Sammy Wilson gave a welcome to country before an exchange of gifts.
-AAP