Book Review: We Had A Little Real Estate Problem

I was nervous to open Kliph Nesteroff’s book. As an Indigenous comedian and writer, I was immediately defensive. How could a non-Indigenous person capture the Indigenous brilliance within our communities, culture and history? How could a non-Indigenous person capture the trauma that so often stars alongside the humour and love in our communities without being extractive? 

I initially feared that the author would position himself as telling our story “for us” rather than amplifying Indigenous comedy voices in the way I believed they deserved to be. 

I was pleasantly surprised. 

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem is a compelling account of Indigenous comedy in the United States and Canada, backed by historical research and interviews done by Nesteroff. The book teaches us how the “Cowboys and Indians” narrative emerged, how cultural icons like Will Rogers had their Indigeneity erased and how Charlie Hill, the first Indigenous comic to appear on late night television was largely ignored for his contributions to the art form. 

Nesteroff does his due diligence to include interviews with emerging Indigenous artists who are working today. We meet many comedians and artists throughout the chapters; and even Pow Wow emcees get a shout out for their incredible skill, which was a nice touch.  

The most poignant and unforgettable moments of the book, for myself personally, were the chapters that detailed the history of “Indians as sideshow attractions”. These chapters set the scene for all of the progress that Nesteroff details throughout the book, whether that progress was fully recognized or not by “Hollywood” or mainstream media. 

This book does not “sit” in the oppression and sadness that history created, instead it moves past it and frames the future of comedy and media where Indigenous artists are celebrated. I learned so much and absolutely treasure Nesteroff’s work. 

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem does not include all Indigenous comedians working today (my name does not appear in the pages sadly) but the reader is introduced to many iconic Indigenous stars like Will Rogers, Charlie Hill, Don Burnstick (if you know, you know), Dakota Ray Herbert, Brian Bahe, The 1491s, Adrianne Chalepah and many others. 

My only major complaint about We Had A Little Real Estate Problem is that Kliph Nesteroff got around to weaving these beautiful narratives and artists together before I did. (Insert winky face here.) 

I highly recommend that everyone read this glorious celebration of Indigenous comedy and laughter. 

Hiy hiy, Moniyaw (“thank you, white man” in Plains Cree.)

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem was released February 16, 2021 by Simon & Schuster.
Purchase it here.