My name is Susana Almanza.

The struggles of our ancestors continue to resound.  The ancestral memory of humanity and the legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the world strengthen us and give us a mandate. The emergence of a new sun, the arrival of a moment of equilibrium even amidst the climate chaos crisis, the generational struggle against institutionalized injustices, colonization, genocide, and terracide, call us to synchronize ourselves in an agenda of self-determination and healing as Original Nations of Mother Earth. Like the weather, 2025 had its share of highs and lows. Life provides unlimited challenges. We faced our share at PODER, but maintained our focus and forward momentum. We expect those challenges to escalate, but they are what give environmental justice organizations like ours purpose.