Native Sun News: Tragedies shaped Crow Creek man's comedy

Monday, December 5, 2011  

The following story was written and reported by Karin Eagle. All content © Native Sun News.

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA -- Who says Indians don’t have a sense of humor?

Humor has been utilized throughout the generations, from gentle teasing amongst in-laws and siblings to ribald songs and anecdotes passed down from generation to generation.

As part of the storytelling process, Indian humor has become its very own art form. Indian comedian Mylo Smith, of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, has been exposed to not only the humorous side of Native life on the reservation but to the darker side, as well.

Raised by his grandmother in Wakpala, as well as on the Crow Creek Reservation, Smith acknowledges his grandmother's influence on him as a comedian. Describing her as a very funny lady, he admits to inheriting the comedic gene from his grandmother, who also happens to be the mother of one of the most well-known and respected Native American comedians, Jr. Redwater.

With a childhood history that includes alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a mother in prison and a father he never knew – who had spent most of Smith's life in and out of jail before passing away – psychologists have told him that he should be experiencing symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. Smith acknowledges that this is a typical situation for many young people on all the reservations around the country. Decided that he wanted to not only do comedy as a stand-up, but he also wanted to provide a message to the young Native people who could all-to-easily identify with him.

The poignant message that Smith wants to provide to the youth is, “We are not victims, we are products.”

In order to dispel what he describes as the “rez mentality,” Smith set about developing a curriculum that covers drug, alcohol, domestic violence and suicide prevention. It’s based on his own life, having so much in common with a lot of people on reservations.

“Drinking was so prevalent in the homes on the reservation. It’s the only modeled behavior, growing up to drink as much as possible and play basketball being the only options. On welfare, food stamps, no affirmations that you could go to college and do things. That’s reservation mentality,” he said.

Having been inspired, but not led, by his uncle Jr. Redwater, already a recognized name in the stand-up world, Smith found his way to Hollywood and, having placed third in an open comedy competition, he felt that his own rez mentality was blown away and doors were opened to him.

“In a town full of George Lopezes, here was a skinny Indian kid from the rez taking third place,” recalled Smith.

One of the youngest Native comedians working right now, Smith feels that he is able to relate to be more accessible to kids on and off the reservations in a way that keeps their attention and connects them to his message of hope. He is proud of the fact that many of his closest friends are elders. Traveling to powwows and other events with them, he is able to learn the language, sing at powwows and, in return, he provides them with the voice to relate their own stories to the younger generations.

Having achieved six years of sobriety, when asked to speak to young people about his work as well as his sobriety, Smith found the perfect opportunity to incorporate both sides of the coin – which could be presented to many different groups of people that translates easily among the age groups.

People wanted to hear his comedy but they also wanted to hear his stand on wellness, which covers alcohol, drugs, sexual abuse and suicide prevention. Smith has been called on to perform for domestic violence fundraisers.

“Ninety percent of the people who are hiring me are women, and they are also the ones in the audience. Hardly any men hire or show up to the shows. Sexual abuse is rarely ever covered,” said Smith, when talking about the subjects that he fearlessly covers.

Age appropriateness is always important and observed while presenting his curriculum.

“Comedy is like a therapy. You can express hurtful things without making it to uncomfortable. Indians have used our humor to get through the worst times of our lives. We use our pain to make it easier to deal with...lemons to lemonade,” said Smith.

Using language that everyone can understand and relate to, Smith keeps the message positive, relating his own story in the presentation, he breaks it all down, factually, being as honest as he needs to be to express exactly how his struggles have affected him. The substance abuse, media influence, home life, it is all covered in a way that lets his audience truly feel his struggle yet also witness his success.

“Reality, everyone knows I’m sober through comedy, but they don’t know what I went through,” he said.

Currently, Smith is working on getting a gig at the Alex Johnson Hotel ballroom to record for a DVD, during the Lakota Nation Invitational. This performance will be open to the public in an intimate setting so that he can truly connect with his audience.

The details of this event are soon to be announced. Smith is also working with Rapid City filmmaker Randy Erickson on a documentary along with music producer Frank Waln of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

The storytelling traits, which include the all-too-important humor exhibited by Native peoples throughout history, lives on. And in true Native fashion, it is being passed on to the next generation.

(Contact Karin Eagle at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com)