Redskins, Tricksters, and Puppy Stew 2000
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Silva Basmajian
Directed by Drew Hayden Taylor
VHS, color, 55 min.
High School - Adult
Native American Studies, Multicultural Studies, Humor
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Charles Burkart, Head, Audiovisual Library, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WVThe subject of native humor or aboriginal humor is a complex one. It is difficult to make generalizations about the rich diversity of Native cultures. The National Film Board of Canada's Redskins, Tricksters, and Puppy Stew examines the humor of contemporary Canadian First Nation humorists. The comics featured are Don Kelly, Tom King, Don Burnstick, Herbie Barnes, Sharon Shorty, and Jackie Bear. These comics come from the Ojibway, Cree, and Innuit tribal traditions.
It was Mark Twain who said that all humor comes from the pitiful human condition, and surely this is true of modern First Nation humor. The traditional Native American trickster figure (raven in some cultures, coyote in others) was a figure that demonstrated the comically ambiguous nature of the divine presence. However, contemporary First Nation comedians mock and satirize tribal tragedies, social pathologies, and persistent stereotypes. Novelist, Tom King, does a satirical CBC radio show titled, "Dead Dog Cafe,” while standup comedian, Don Burnstick, draws on his years of drunken, "down and out" street life. Herbie Barnes is the co-founder of a First Nation sketch comedy troupe, and Sharon Shorty and Jackie Bear do a comic routine featuring two eccentric old Native ladies who love bingo and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The National Film Board of Canada has a reputation for high quality documentaries, and Redskins, Tricksters, and Puppy Stew lives up to this exalted reputation. It is a superbly edited video from the opening credits, that feature a pseudo Elmer Bernstein music score, to the conclusion of the video that finishes with a joke told in an indigenous language. Color is bright and high quality, sound is clear and well modulated. The pacing of the program is excellent, as not a single comic's performance meanders or drags on.
In conclusion, this interesting video does much to destroy the phony stereotype of the "stoic" Indian. The element of humor has been sadly lacking in the depiction of Native peoples. Redskins, Tricksters, and Puppy Stew helps set the record straight. This video would be a valuable addition to contemporary Native American collections at the college level. It could also be useful for public libraries that serve an indigenous population, particularly in Canada. Redskins, Tricksters, and Puppy Stew is recommended.