We had the good fortune of connecting with Matonth Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matonth, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am an Apache and Pomo Native American. All my life I have traveled from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona to the Elem Pomo Reservation in Northern California. I grew living my Native way, going to ceremonies, praying on holy sites, dancing at ceremonies, and singing at ceremonies. I was brought up to respect Mother Earth. I respect the land and water of our people. I was raised to pay attention to nature. To listen to the trees, winds, and look up in the sky to see the eagles fly. I watched my elders live off the land and give thanks to the creator. Being raised in my Native way has made a protector of the environment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started this Fight For Our Existence Podcast to help make aware of what issues we are facing as Native Americans. To protect land and water from pollution and destruction, not just for Native American, but for everyone and the future of our kids. I am proud to be involved and help with the cause of protecting our environment. There is multiple issues going on today with water shortage and I wanted to do something to join the fight. I decided to start a podcast to make people aware of what is going on around them. The only challenges I have is to get people to listen. I have learned in this podcast, to come out and just say what’s on your mind. I want people know about what is happening to the land and water. Also, what to do to fight it. Right now we are in a battle with Resolution Copper wanting to mine copper on the Oak Flat camp grounds near Superior Arizona. Resolution Copper is going to use the block caving method which will make the Oak Flat camp ground collapse in time. Resolution Copper will also use 250 billion gallons of water to complete this project. Arizona right now has a water shortage problem. This podcast will hopefully make people aware of these issues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Oak Flat and show them the beautiful landscape.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to all of my family and elders who taught me to stand for what I believe in and to respect Mother Earth. I want to thank my parents Thomas and Imogene Brown for teaching our native way of life. I thank my Uncle Wendsler Nosie and the Apache Stronghold for fighting for our rights to practice our way of life on sacred land.

Instagram: fight4ourexistence

Twitter: @4ourexistence

Other: https://media.rss.com/fight4ourexistence/feed.xml https://open.spotify.com/show/6MDOFYzYisUwdlzjSnfkqY?si=5d268498e83f4ee9 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f-s-podcast-the-fantasy-sports-podcast/id1511223650

Image Credits
Waya Brown

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