Viti
We want to acknowledge KaiViti/Indigenous and iTaukei communities across Viti (Fiji) and pay our respects to their elders of the past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their continuing connection to the Vanua, ocean and community.

Aotearoa
I want to acknowledge the Mana Whenua of Tamāki Makaurau, Ngāti Pāoa; Ngāi Tai; Ngāti Whātua; Te Wai-o-Hua/Ngā Oho; Ngāti Te Ata; and Te Kawerau-a-Maki, whose stolen land I live and work from. As tauiwi (non-Māori) Indo-Fijian woman I recognise that I benefit from living on this stolen land in the settler state of New Zealand. As tauiwi I also seek to honour and commit to upholding Māori sovereignty in Aotearoa through our partnership in He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

U.S.
I aim to break down all kinds of supremacy within the communities that I come from and that also means accepting how I benefit from living on stolen land in North America. I pay my respects to the Jalquin, Lisjan, Chochenyo and Karkin peoples (Ohlone communities across the East Bay, California) while knowing that all Indigenous and Black communities continue to face genocide, displacement and police brutality across the U.S.

Climate Crisis and Social Media Activism with Zakiyyah Ali

Image collage of Zakiyyah. Image of Zakiyyah smiling with a flower behind her ear. There are graphics of red and orange flowers, leaves and world globes around her. Upper right corner is an image of Alaa Salah during protests in Sudn. Lower left corner is an image of the ocean and beach. Upper left corner is text that reads: Zakiyyah Ali.

CLICK HERE TO READ TRANSCRIPT

About Zakiyyah

My name is Zakiyyah Ali and I am 23 years old. I call Fiji home and study at the University of the South Pacific where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Economics. As a feminist I am passionate about social, racial and environmental justice. To that end, my advocacy experiences include World Bank ‘Panel on Healthy Oceans’, International Dialogue on Migration 2019 discussions on “Enabling Youth to Overcome Environmental Challenges” and dialogue on Youth and Climate Crisis at the UN SG’s Panel as well as social media advocacy on the Indo-Fijian identity. I believe we must dismantle oppressive systems that have perpetuated the Climate Crisis and inequality and in pushing for radical change, we must adopt a stance that is non-colonial and anti-capitalist.

Also available on YouTube