Re-Flourishing —Matthew Manyguns
Horrible, horrible consequences and how to move forward
Habitat cover image © Matthew Manyguns aka Swibz the Chief, 2023.
Good day, my name is Matthew Manyguns aka Swibz The Chief. I live in Morley, Alberta and was presented this opportunity by a buddy of mine. Goes by Zayden Poucette, also his Uncle Greves. Anyways, I would love to showcase my talent and help you, help the community for the greater good. I hope you can get back to me soon.
FOLD: What is urgent about the place you are in that could be addressed by a ritual?
Matthew Manyguns: Addiction is a huge problem in all communities including the Stoney Nakoda First Nation Reserve. I've lived here ever since I was born and growing up was no walk in the park. In other words, it was f*cked up at times. Seeing my relatives have domestic disputes. Even gambling is an issue. Unfortunately, I fell into this toxic cycle and became an alcoholic. I'm in recovery now and it sucks some days. This problem can be addressed in all sorts of ways such as AA/NA meetings located on Reserve, Turning Point, or public speaking. Personally, music has been a crutch for Me. Healed myself and many others I'm betting. I have a song called "Habitat" which is on all platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, etc. The lyrics I've written tackles addiction which would be perfect to perform.
FOLD: What and whom does it involve?
MM: Everybody. The elders with opioids, but most of all, the youth. I've seen kids that are 8 years old drinking and smoking up. Walking to go score or to just getaway from their homes because addiction goes on there too. Then they grow up and move on to harder drugs like Meth. Meth has infected our Nation. I can't recognize my own family who are on it.
FOLD: How is it connected to the natural and/or built environment?
MM: The habitat. Drug users who dabble in substances like alcohol or heroin are sloppy. They don't give a sh*t if they litter and destroy the earth. Making this Beautiful Rez look like a disaster because of all the garbage.
FOLD: How does it nod to the past and/or future?
MM: Mental Health. Ever since the first Residential School in 1884 here in Alberta. Indigenous people have carried pain and buried it deep like the remains of the children who didn't make it home. The older ones can't talk about their past without crying. Crying alone is a big thing because growing up I was told that a Man shouldn't cry.
Why not? We're human. Broken humans who've lost our way because we can't deal with our individual adversities. So we bury it. This needs to change, so we can finally flourish as a Nation.
This interview and song are part of the Rituals Series seeking to understand what is urgent about a place that could be addressed by a ritual.
Guest Editor: Greves Pouchette