Stand-up, sketch and satire: The rise of Indigenous comedy

Originally published on January 17, 2020. 

Indigenous people are often thought of as stoic and serious. But the truth is, Indigenous people love to laugh! 

This week on Unreserved, we're going to try to make you laugh — through stand up, sketches and some conversations about how Indigenous people approach comedy.

Have you ever had something make you laugh and cry at the same time? Standing Rock Sioux comedian Tiffany Midge's book, Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese's, is a book of essays that are both hilarious and touching.

In his experiences as a journalist, Tim Fontaine has seen some true stories written about Indigenous people that seemed like satire. Now, as Editor-In-Grand-Chief of Walking Eagle News, he gets to make fun of media with his satirical articles that poke fun at everything from racism and reconciliation to child welfare and colonialism.

You probably don't remember your first laugh, and neither does Jaclyn Roessel — but she remembers her niece's, because she was responsible for it. She was in charge of her niece's First Laugh Ceremony, a significant moment in a young Navajo child's life.

Like father, like son, son, son and son. Cree comedian Howie Miller has four kids, and they all work in the entertainment business. He joins his son Todd Houseman to talk about his 20-plus years in comedy and how his sons have helped him change his approach to stand-up.

This week's playlist (comedy edition): 

Howie Miller — Native Karaoke
Baroness von Sketch Show — Land Acknowledgement
Charlie Hill — Stand-up at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival
Chad Anderson — Fishing Privilege
Tatanka Means — Native Air