1491s
The 1491s are a Native American sketch comedy group, with members based in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Montana. While the members' sketch comedy has had a growing cult following since the mid-2000s, and their videos since 2009, they are perhaps best known for their work in more widely-known shows such as Rutherford Falls and Reservation Dogs.
| The 1491s | |
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Members of the 1491s banter with the audience in 2013 at Simon Fraser University. From left to right: Bobby Wilson, Sterlin Harjo, unidentified, Migizi Pensoneau; (not pictured: Dallas Goldtooth, Ryan RedCorn) | |
| Medium |
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| Nationality | Indigenous |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Genres | Sketch comedy, Narrative comedy |
| Subject(s) |
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| Notable works and roles | New Moon Wolf Pack Auditions To The Indigenous Woman - The Violence Against Women Act |
| Members |
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| Website | www |
Their comedy sketches, spoken word, and longer narrative works depict contemporary Native American life in the United States, using humor and satire to explore issues such as stereotypes and racism (internal and external), tribal politics, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. Their over 150 YouTube videos have frequently gone viral, including their first video, the Twilight parody "New Moon Wolf Pack Auditions!!!!"
A Los Angeles Times reporter described the group's output as "dozens of videos, some crass, some cryptic, some laugh-out-loud hilarious." Group member Dallas Goldtooth has cited British comedy legends Monty Python's Flying Circus as an influence. The group creates all of its pieces collectively.
The group's name is a reference to the year 1491, the year before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and widespread European colonization of the Americas began.