Jan 5, 2019 - Why I March: Queen Melé Le’iato Tuiasosopo Muhammad Ali ‘Unity and Solidarity’

On January 18 2019, Indigenous peoples from across the world will be uniting in Washington D.C. to stand together to bring awareness to the injustices affecting Indigenous men, women and children.

In the lead up to the historic event, Last Real Indians will be featuring individuals involved with the Indigenous Peoples March.

LRI editor Matt Remle recently spoke with Queen Melé Le’iato Tuiasosopo Muhammad Ali (Samoan) about the march, the impact of imported foods being sent to the Samoan Islands, and the need for unity and solidarity.

Tell us about the Indigenous Peoples March? 

[The march] To unite original and indigenous people across the globe.

What issues will you be high-lighting at the march (how can people support that issue/s)? 

I will be addressing the health epidemic due to the massive influx of imported foods, and the marketing of deadly American fast food restaurants on our islands. Currently I’m working with Matai Chiefs, Doctors and other Samoan leaders to bring a resurgence of interest in Indigenous Fa’a Samoa healing arts, natural herbal medicines, and plant based nutrition by building a social wellness hub in American Samoa.  

People can support this project by donating their talent, time and resources. You can contact me directly at queen@mobileregime.com

Why is it important for indigenous peoples to show unity?

Unity is the key and foundation to any and all relationships, organizations, and civilizations. To progress we must have unity. Without the unity of the indigenous people we have no future for indigenous people.

Why will you be in the streets on 1/18?

[To show] Unity and solidarity

Photo credit: Hakeem Khaali

Queen Melé Le’iato Tuiasosopo Muhammad Ali is an award-winning Los Angeles born filmmaker, visual anthropologist, multimedia activist and the co-founder of Nation19/APDTA. Her work has been screened at the Museum of Modern Art, Glasgow Scotland, Beijing China, The United Nations, on network television, and in various publications across the globe.  

Ali is also the great-granddaughter of Paramount Chief Tuli Le’iato of American Samoa.

For more information on the Indigenous Peoples March go here

Follow on Instagram here #whyimarch #ipmdc19

by Wakíƞyaƞ Waánataƞ (Matt Remle)

Matt Remle (Lakota) is an editor and writer for Last Real Indians and LRInspireand the co-founder of Mazaska Talks. Follow @wakiyan7

Matt Remle photo via Yes Magazine by Alex Garland