Photography by Marilyn Angel Wynn/ Nativestock.com
Laughter really is good medicine. Native people have the best sense of humor that I've ever witnessed. Each time I visit reservations I'm reminded of this genuine quality that has been an Indian custom since the beginning of time. There's nothing more enjoyable than sitting around with a First Nations family or a circle group. They really enjoy hearing jokes or telling funny stories. There's even a book called "Jokes Heard Around The Rez" by Geraldine Goes-In-Center, Lakota Sioux.
"Growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Indian humor has always been a big part of my life. Being around Indian people, no matter how depressing the times become, we always make time to laugh. Telling jokes and sharing funny stories are always included at every function. I've heard the funniest stories from the announcers at Pow-wow's. Even today, I look forward to the humor told at native gatherings." Is written in the introduction of Goes-In-Center's book.
Humor was really important to Indigenous people. It's hard to understand how these people have a great
sense of humor after their ancestors had to endure 500 years of extreme hardships after European contact. I was once told by one of my friends from the Crow Reservation that "laughter makes us feel strong and hopeful. We persevere and we laugh!"
There is nothing that gives me greater joy than to be on the road heading to one of the many reservations. To hear genuine comical stories and maybe even be the brunt of a few. By the way, you will also need to take along your sense of humor.
REZ JOKES AND NDN WISDOM!
Q: What do you have when there are 16 Cherokee in one room?
A: A full blood
A cocky BIA man stopped by an Indian owned farm. He told the Indian man "I need to inspect your farm for a new road." The Indian man said, "OK but don't go in that field." The BIA employee said, "See this card? I have authority of the United States Government to go where I want on Indian land." So the old Indian man shrugged and went about his chores. Later he heard loud screams and saw the BIA man running for the fence and close behind was the Indian man's prize bull. The bull was gaining on the BIA man at every step! The old Indian man called out, "Show him your card!"
In the early years, a preacher was visiting a Sioux Indian family and didn't realize how late it had become. The family invited the preacher to spend the night. The preacher asked if his saddle and horse would be safe. "Yes," said the Sioux man, "There isn't a white man for miles around."