An inspiring conversation on Native representation in contemporary media with artists and changemakers — Bobby “Dues” Wilson, writer and actor on FX’s critically acclaimed Reservation Dogs; Jessica “Jessi” McEver, Director of IllumiNative’s Pop Culture + Media Program; and Jana Schmieding, writer and actor on Peacock’s Rutherford Falls. They will discuss narrative change and the crucial role of Native creatives leading Native stories. The panel is curated and moderated by comedian Jackie Keliiaa, founder of Good Medicine, an all-Native stand-up comedy show coming to PAC NYC on February 9, 2024.
Jackie Keliiaa
Jackie Keliiaa is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor based in Oakland, California. You can find her in the 2021 release, We Had a Little Real Estate Problem: The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy. Jackie has been featured on Comedy Central, Team Coco, Netflix, and Illuminative’s 25 Native American Comedians to Follow.
Jessica “Jessi” McEver
Jessica “Jessi” McEver (she/her, Cherokee Nation) is the Director of Pop Culture + Media of IllumiNative and has dedicated her career to uplifting Native narratives as a producer and strategist. She is focused on building power for Native communities through inclusive representation on and off screen, challenging existing systems as well as building pathways and loving spaces for the next generation of Native creatives. She is a mother of two, fierce souls, pun enthusiast, and eternal optimist.
Jana Schmieding
Jana Schmieding wrote on and co-starred in Rutherford Falls and is known for her comedic roles on Reservation Dogs, The Great North and Spirit Rangers.
Bobby "Dues" Wilson
Bobby “Dues” Wilson is a Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota actor, writer, poet, visual artist, and comedian. He wrote and acted on FX’s Reservation Dogs, Peacock’s Rutherford Falls, and he has performed on FX’s What We Do in the Shadows. He is a founding member of the Native Sketch Comedy group, The 1491s, and he co-wrote their critically acclaimed play, Between Two Knees. Bobby is a celebrated muralist and skilled beader whose work has been featured in Vogue.
@bobbydues (IG/X)
Pronouns: he/him