Joey Clift, an enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, harnesses his comedic talent to illuminate Native culture. Raised on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, he faced surprising misconceptions about Native life after leaving, such as assumptions about living in tipis or transforming into werewolves.
Clift’s work spans across platforms, including Netflix’s “Spirit Rangers” and Nickelodeon’s “Paw Patrol,” as well as his own “Gone Native” series. His upcoming book, “We’ve Been Here the Whole Time!” aims to provide both humor and education about Native experiences, especially amidst current censorship of histories counter to the common American narrative.
In an interview with The Seattle Times, Clift reflects on his journey from aspiring weather forecaster to comedian, motivated by a lack of Native representation in mainstream comedy. He emphasizes how comedy enables him to tackle serious issues while sharing his cultural identity, culminating in a sold-out all-Native comedy show in 2018.
Clift acknowledges the diversity among Native tribes but also the common struggles against the legacy of colonization. He shares parts of his book focused on Native enrollment and his tribe’s casino, discussing both humorous elements and the serious benefits it brings to his tribe. Ultimately, Clift’s work blends laughter with reflection on the complexities of Native life today.
