Not a laughing matter
Bryce Gray
Leader reporter
reporter@leaderadvertiser.com
Suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence are not laughing matters by any means. Yet, motivational speaker and comedian Mitch Factor has enjoyed great success addressing such heavy-hitting social issues on Indian Reservations throughout the country. On Thursday, Sept. 27, Factor will appear at the tribally-sponsored ‘Celebration of Life’ in St. Ignatius to discuss suicide prevention, which Jason HeavyRunner, Youth Activities Coordinator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, says is an “area of strong concern” on the Flathead Reservation.
“We hope that people will take away that suicide is preventable, and that it’s O.K. to ask for help,” says HeavyRunner.
Factor, recognized as one of the country’s leading Native American comedians, began his career in the performing arts about twenty years ago, when he appeared in the film, “Last of the Mohicans” and the 1993 television mini-series “Broken Chain.” Since that time, Factor says he elected to “hang up [his] breechcloth” and “wanted to break the barrier of stand-up comedy.” Eventually, Factor began to put his gift of comedy to use in an effort to promote wellness in Native American communities.
“In order for someone to listen to you, you have to have an impact on them,” says Factor, who attributes his knack for forging connections to striking a balance with “a dash of comedy, a dash of being real, [and] a dash of hitting those serious points.”
“The home run that sends it over the fence is the comedy,” Factor says.
Much of Factor’s ability to make a lasting impression on his audiences comes from his ability to speak both from the heart and from experience. Raised in Oklahoma, Factor grew up disadvantaged as the youngest of ten children, and had to contend with poverty and physical abuse as a kid. Despite his challenging circumstances, Factor was determined not to become a “statistic,” and willed himself to persevere, eventually going on to college and a successful career.
“He’s a storyteller,” HeavyRunner says of Factor. “He relates his own personal stories from his background… He just brings you along to a lot of commonalities that people who live in poverty have, but [has a way] of turning it into celebrating life.”
Data have identified suicide as the tenth leading cause of death in the country, and the third highest threat to the lives of young people. Native Americans are especially at risk, and HeavyRunner reports that CSKT officials are using a grant to try to gather more comprehensive data about suicide on the Flathead Reservation.
Factor’s unscripted routine puts an emphasis on encouraging independent thinking and positive decision-making among youth. Factor conveys to his audiences that he understands the challenges they face, but ultimately, they, as individuals, are responsible for making the good and bad decisions that alter their lives. “And some decisions,” he warns, “are irreversible.”
Factor already has some familiarity with the Flathead Reservation, as he was in the area recently to speak to local students enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment Program. His visit was such a hit that HeavyRunner and others sought to bring him back for Thursday’s event.
Factor’s presentation is slated to run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Community Center/Fitness Center. The family-oriented event is free and open to the public.