I spent my 20s earning minimum wage decorating cakes for a living. But one day, I looked in the mirror and realized I wanted more, for me and my people. I saw too many Native Americans struggling, and I realized we should have a voice in who our elected officials are.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and advocacy for one's community.
Deb Haaland reflects on her journey from a minimum-wage job to realizing her potential and responsibility to advocate for her community. Her awakening to the struggles of Native Americans highlights the necessity of having a voice in political matters, inspiring others to strive for more and to actively participate in shaping their futures.
In practice
In a speech about community engagement, you might quote Deb Haaland to emphasize the importance of having a voice in leadership.
In spite of our agonizing history, Native American people find much to celebrate. The songs, the dances, the culture and traditions surrounding planting and harvests, the prayers that are sent upward for healing and peace, and the welcoming of children into our families, are all reasons for us to keep moving forward with optimism.
Growing up in my mother's Pueblo household, I never imagined a world in which I would be represented by someone who looked like me.
I want every young Indigenous girl to think about getting involved in their communities. You're never too young to help with community efforts.
Racism and bigotry should never fuel any administration's policies. Calls to send anyone 'back' contradict who we should be as a country and the ideals for which we stand.
Native American activists have been present as long as the Europeans have been working to colonize us.
The tenets of my cultural teachings are rooted in our commitment to lift up every community member so that no one is left behind. Work and food were shared equally. Through our commitment to community, we care about children, even when they aren't ours, and we want our old folks, and yours, to live their last days in dignity and comfort.
People look at me and see a calm, cool guy on the sidelines and I want them to know that my Christian faith affects my coaching and everything I do.
I would not like to be the only woman on the court.
A president has an inescapable responsibility to provide direction: What are we trying to achieve? What are we trying to prevent? Why? To do that, he has to both analyze and reflect.
Once you have a staff of prepared, intelligent, and energetic people, the next step is to motivate them to be creative.
A councilor ought not to sleep the whole night through, a man to whom the populace is entrusted, and who has many responsibilities.
...the best leaders are servant leaders - they serve those they lead.
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