An all-female comedy troupe entertained audiences across Canada this summer

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Copy Link

The Deadly Aunties, rolled into Regina and the trio of Indigenous comedians had audiences rolling in the aisles.

Pink lights and banners became their trademark, which worked perfectly with their sugar and spice brand of comedy.

Although each brought their own flavour to the stage, the one thing they did have in common was the ability to keep the audience engaged.

Local comedian Annie Brass opened for the Deadly Aunties at the Exchange in Regina on August 17.

Throughout the show laughter could be heard coming from every direction in the room.

Stephanie Pangowish from Wikwemikong First Nation and Sagamok, Ont. formed the group after the pandemic to promote body positivity through self-love and self-care. She also promotes mental health wellness and believes everyone should be positive about their sexuality, which was the foundation for much of the Deadly Auntie’s comedy.

Cheyenne Sapp from Little Pine First Nation, said for her, the experience was all about bringing awareness to how Indigenous women have been underrepresented in many spaces, especially in the comedy industry.

“We were really trying to empower Indigenous people, empower women to get out there and tell their own stories authentically,” she said during the Regina stop. “We would like to inspire other Indigenous people to do stuff like this and get into industries where we are allowed to share our own narratives from our own perspectives”.

Sherry Mckay from Sagkeeng First Nation, Man. said the group’s comedy focuses on relatable topics such as motherhood, dating and everyday life.

“We are celebrating ourselves and we want everybody to know that,” she said.

Although it sounds easy, it’s something that takes a lot of work to accomplish.

“There is lateral violence in the industry and though we haven’t really experienced it to the point where it has impacted us in our journey we know it exists,”

said Mckay. “The good thing about us is that the three of us have a variety of gifts… we really work together in such a way that we complement one another. We haven’t really run into that, but we’re ready for when it happens.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Pangowish.

“We stay ready,” she said.

All three of the women are also mothers, which is sometimes tough, said Pangowish.

They have all gone through those moments where they miss their children but have leaned on one another to help combat the loneliness of life on the road.

“I am already planning to start a U.S. tour, and to the east coast of Canada,” said Pangowish.

There were also plans to take the group further north but those plans may be on hold until the Deadly Aunties figure out the next phase for the group.

At the time of print Cheyenne Sapp is no longer a part of the Deadly Aunties comedy troupe.