As new Yorkers, while we live in one of the most diverse cities in the world and a nation built by immigrants, we must acknowledge that this land was the homeland of the lenape people, who were displaced due to european COLONIALISM over 400 years ago. We honor their history, culture, and continued presence in the city. The Lenape people, though dispersed, remain connected to this land and are its rightful stewards. 

I also speak from the perspective of an Indigenous person from the island of Formosa. As a Sirayan, I emphasize that the island of Formosa, now known as Taiwan, is not part of China, despite ongoing claims by the Chinese government. We, along with other Indigenous tribes, have lived on this land for thousands of years—long before the idea of political borders—and we continue to assert our identity and sovereignty over our homeland.