Resilience Through Indigenous Humour | Stephanie Pangowish | TEDxCentennialCollegeToronto

Summary

In this insightful and humorous speech, Stephanie Pongo, an Indigenous comedian and expert on Indigenous humor and resilience, reflects on the importance of laughter in her culture. She discusses how Indigenous people have used humor as a coping mechanism for centuries, even in the face of historical trauma such as colonization, residential schools, and systemic racism. Through stories, cultural references, and ancestral teachings, she illustrates how humor fosters resilience, community, and healing. She also emphasizes the deep connection between laughter, balance, and Indigenous ways of life, while dispelling stereotypes about Indigenous people being overly serious.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker begins with a land acknowledgment, recognizing the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples including the Haudenosaunee, Wendat, and Anishinabek.
• 🌱 Indigenous populations in Canada are growing four times faster than any other demographic, and the speaker humorously attributes this growth to being 'really sexy.'
• 💬 Indigenous humor is deeply ingrained in their culture and is used to cope with hardship, even during moments like funerals.
• 😂 Indigenous people often make jokes about their own misfortunes, transforming painful historical experiences such as genocide and residential schools into stories with humor.
• 🧬 The 5-HTTLPR gene is linked to the Indigenous sense of humor, allowing them to process difficult experiences through laughter, creating happiness and serenity.
• 🎓 Indigenous scholar Dr. Michael Yellow Bird has studied the effects of colonization and supports the idea of 'neurodecolonization'—using humor and mindfulness to heal from trauma.
• 🖼️ Media typically portrays Indigenous people as serious and political, but laughter and teasing are a significant part of their communities.
• 📜 Indigenous creation stories and trickster characters use humor to convey lessons about life, illustrating that mistakes have consequences.
• 🔥 Humor acts as a defense mechanism for Indigenous people to cope with the effects of colonial violence, fostering resilience.
• 🎭 Indigenous cultures often use sacred clowns or contraries to bring laughter, keep ego in check, and challenge complacency in life.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's message?

The main theme is the power of humor and laughter in indigenous culture, particularly as a form of resilience and coping mechanism in the face of historical and ongoing hardships like colonization and systemic oppression.

What is the significance of the land acknowledgment at the beginning?

The land acknowledgment recognizes the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Wendot, and Anishinabek people, paying respect to the indigenous communities whose lands are being occupied.

Why does the speaker introduce herself in her indigenous language?

The speaker introduces herself in her language as a way of connecting with her ancestors and maintaining a cultural tradition. It also highlights the importance of language preservation in indigenous communities.

How does the speaker use humor in the context of painful history?

The speaker uses humor to cope with traumatic experiences, such as colonization and the residential school era, explaining that laughter allows indigenous people to maintain balance and find strength even in dark times.

What does the gene 5-HTTLPR represent in the context of the speech?

According to Dr. Michael Yellowbird, the 5-HTTLPR gene is prevalent in collectivist cultures like indigenous communities. It helps transport serotonin, contributing to feelings of happiness and promoting laughter, which is a central part of indigenous resilience.

What does the speaker mean by 'decolonization' and 'neurodecolonization'?

Decolonization refers to undoing the harmful effects of colonization, while neurodecolonization involves using mindfulness and ancestral practices to heal the psychological impacts of colonization on indigenous peoples.

What role does laughter play in indigenous ceremonies and culture?

Laughter is a critical aspect of indigenous ceremonies and gatherings. It serves as a tool for healing, connecting people, and maintaining balance between hardship and joy in life.

What historical trauma does the speaker mention, and how does it affect indigenous communities?

The speaker mentions the residential school era, during which indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This trauma has had long-lasting impacts on indigenous communities, contributing to ongoing challenges.

How does the speaker use personal stories to illustrate indigenous humor?

The speaker shares a story about her grandfather hiding from Indian agents, adding humor by saying his brothers were 'too slow' to escape. This showcases how indigenous people find humor in difficult or painful experiences.

What message does the speaker want to convey about balance in life?

The speaker emphasizes that indigenous culture teaches the importance of balance—between happiness and hardship, laughter and grief. This balance is essential to living a good life and maintaining resilience.