My 2024 Loveletter to You

I need to be real with you for a minute.

You know that feeling when you're standing there at the UN, right? When you're trying to represent your Indigenous Peoples and it feels like you're the one person asking for quiet reading time in the middle of a crazy football stadium?

Yeah, that feeling. I see you.

Listen, I know those doubts are creeping in.

Trust me, I've been exactly where you are. And you're probably thinking, "Is this even worth it?" Let me tell you something - that fire inside you? That burning feeling that keeps you up at night? That's not just your fire. That's generations of resilience running through your veins.

That's powerful stuff.

You see. I keep meeting people who've had others laugh at their dreams. Maybe that's happened to you too. They look at you like, "UN representative? Really?" But here's what's fascinating. They're not seeing what you see because they're stuck in their own reality.

You? You're operating on a whole different level.

I’m 100% sure that our grandparents, our great-grandparents…they didn't sit around waiting for someone to give them permission. They didn't have time for that! They were too busy fighting for what they believed in.

And now? Now it's our turn to take that torch and run with it.

I'll tell you something I've learned the hard way.

This journey? It's going to be tough. Like, really tough. But that's actually good news. You know why Because tough means you're on the right path.

And here's the best part. You've got an entire community of creative warriors right beside you. We're all in this together, and that's not just some nice saying. That's real power.

Also, let me ask you something: When was the last time you celebrated a small win?

I'm talking about those moments when you spoke up in a meeting and someone from our community nodded in recognition. Or when a young person came up to you afterward and said your words hit home. Those moments? They're pure gold.

You know what fires me up? Watching people like you step into their power.

The UN - the whole world, really - they're desperately waiting for your voice.
Not someone else's voice.

YOUR voice.
Your perspective.
Your solutions.

That's the real deal.

So here's what I want you to do.

Take all that creativity, all that fire, all that wisdom from our ancestors, and let it loose. Whether you're speaking to the General Assembly or working on grassroots projects in your community - bring your full self to it.

This isn't just about making a difference anymore.

This is about being who you were meant to be.

And I'm telling you right now. You were meant for this exact moment.

The time for playing small is over.

You ready?

Let's get after it in 2024.