It’s important to stand up for what you believe in, even if it seems futile. Nothing changes if outcomes are perceived as realities that cannot be manipulated. No movement was started by jaded cynics or accomplished in the same way. Real change is difficult to secure and like anything worth fighting for; usually a difficult endeavor. But nevertheless, things have changed because of people that stood by their beliefs, their inherent sense of right and wrong and the understanding that all beings deserve a life, lived.

I want to give recognition to the battles that are being fought, in peaceful protest against things like imperialism, neo-colonialism and injustice. I believe strongly in the Native Hawaiian’s right to self determination and the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement. I believe in the fight of all indigenous people all over the world. I believe in the fight of equality for all people, all things. May justice be served to those who need it most.

I think it’s time for a mental and spiritual upheaval. A time to change the way we look at the world and more importantly, it’s time to change the way we look at each other. I’m tired of hearing the unsubstantiated fears of people who have no real experience with others of different races and cultures. I think western societies have a lot to learn from indigenous communities. It’s time to fix our karma. These are things I feel really strongly about. And how do I attempt to influence my little corner of the world? Through photography. The lens is the tool to my own revolution. It enables me to share in the stories of all kinds of people and it gives me a way to share their stories with others.

I think it is important that you are passionate about the things you do everyday. To wake up and know that there is more love than hatred in your life, more positive relationships than negative ones and to know that there is more happiness than anguish. I hope you all have things worth fighting for and if there are things that you know are wrong, to try and change them. May your life be beautiful and bountiful.