Laughing at hardship

Comedian and Broadcaster, Gerry Barrett

Laugher is medicine. Try to feel bad after a bout of laugher. Like music, laughter allows you to escape the trials of life, which for Aboriginal Canadians are ongoing.

Whether it be the shooting of Dudley George, the recent contaminated water at Kashechewan Reserve or gas-huffing Aboriginal children the plight of Canada’s first peoples has been long and constant, and the Canadian government’s reaction slow and similar.

Canadian comedian and broadcaster Gerry “The Big Bear” Barrett is the first to admit dealing with the Canadian government is a perfect source for comedy. He also admits he thinks he’s the only comedian who does an impression of a dead rez dog, frozen in the snow.

“I think it’s funny. Believe it or not aboriginal people have a pretty good sense of humour. Of course when you’re dealing with the Canadian government all the time, like we are, you have to. My humour pokes fun at the government, politicians, and bureaucrats who make life difficult for my people. I find my humour in pointing out the absurdities of how governments have mistreated the first peoples of North America.”

Barrett, an Ojibway from the Saugeen First Nation in Ontario who used to tell people he was Hawaiian – “I’m Don Ho’s grandson” – is part of Aboriginal Comedy Night at this year’s expanded Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow, November 25 – 27. The night of comedy takes places at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this coming Sat. Nov. 26, 8 pm.

“Most of my stand up routine is based on sharing my Aboriginal Canadian life experience,” typed Winnipeg-based Barrett in an email. “I’ve tried to cover as many issues that have affected me as I grew up ‘Canadian’, a lot issues of course the average Canadian has never experienced, or perhaps don’t even know about: The 60’s Scoop, (Canada’s dirty little secret), foster homes, my adoption, racism, my loss of cultural identity, my loss of Ojibwe tradition and language. Canada is going through some major changes when it comes to every Canadian becoming aware of Aboriginal issues. Up until a month ago, no one had even heard of Kashechewan, let alone be able to pronounce it.”

Joining Barrett on the 26th will be one of Canada’s best-known Aboriginal comedians, Don Burnstick, and a few from south of the 49th Parallel including Mitch Factor and American Indian Entertainer of the Year and ex-staff writer for TV’s Roseanne, Charlie Hill.

“One of my biggest laughs, for years now, is based on bad rez water,” typed Barrett. “In one of my comedy routines, I pretend I’m on the telephone with Jean Chretien who has been banished to live on a northern reserve. During our conversation, he asks me for survival advice and I answer, ‘Don’t drink the water!’ The audience, it doesn’t matter if they’re aboriginal or not, roars with laughter.”

Hitting the airwaves as the Morning Radio Host on Manitoba’s Aboriginal radio network, NCI-FM – www.ncifm.com- Barrett admits working for an Aboriginal media outlet has opened his eyes to how blind mainstream media is to Aboriginal news and issues.

“In fact that’s one of the reason’s I got into stand up comedy. I wanted to try and reverse some of the negative stereotypes some people might have about Aboriginal people,” he continued. “We, as Aboriginal people know there is positive news coming out of our communities, wouldn’t it be nice to hear some on your local, mainstream media outlets. Thank God for APTN.”

Sid, a native kid who stopped to share a few words with S&H.ca, shared some of his life: “When you’ve ‘made it’ or have something positive to aspire to, it’s easier to feel good about being native. If you’re 19, like me, and had to struggle with racism, anger and substance abuse things don’t seem as rosy.”

When asked what it’s like living in The ‘Peg, Barrett was very excited about the future of his people. The ‘Peg has the largest and fastest growing Urban Aboriginal population in Canada.

“It’s a good time to be indigenous and living in Winnipeg. There’s something positive happening with our people all the time. It’s now the home to two very important Aboriginal broadcasters, APTN, and NCI-FM. Plus, Winnipeg’s a hotbed of positive political change, (Urban Reserve), and musically speaking, it’s ground zero for an incredible talent explosion,” he typed proudly.

For more info on Barrett visit his website - www.thebigbear.org- and for info on the Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow visit www.canab.com. Tickets for all events, including fashion show, music awards, pow wow, comedy night and much more are available through Ticketmaster by calling (416) 872-1111 or visiting the site at www.ticketmaster.ca

Courtesy images