NSB Logo Ryan McMahon Ryan McMahon

Ryan McMahon

Speaker

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Digital Media Maker & Community Activator to Anishinaabe Comedian, Writer, Journalist and Creative

As an Anishinaabe creative, comedian, writer, storyteller, and journalist, Ryan McMahon has devoted his career to initiatives and opportunities that foster and inspire a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between Indigenous peoples and this country. McMahon has built his career smashing the status quo by reimaging and rebuilding the world around him with bold and irreverent comedy, thoughtful storytelling, critically acclaimed documentary works, award winning journalism, and nuanced and complex keynotes and public presentations and lectures.

Keynote Speeches

Virtual Keynotes & Webinars
Contact us for more information about this speaker & their virtual presentations. Click here for some of the most popular formats for virtual events.
Wreck-On Silly Nation

Nearly a decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) concluded its examination of Canada’s Indian Residential School (IRS) system, it’s a pivotal time for reflection and forward planning in the nation’s journey toward reconciliation. 

Ryan McMahon, an Anishinaabe comedian, writer, journalist, and advocate for change, steps into this crucial moment with a keynote speech aimed at evaluating Canada’s progress on the path to reconciliation. He delves into the achievements since the TRC’s report, addresses the areas where progress has stalled, and provides personal insights from his own community and family experiences. McMahon’s presentation is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action, urging Canadians to acknowledge the gaps in reconciliation efforts and to envision and enact the necessary steps to move forward. 

This presentation serves as a critical checkpoint in Canada’s reconciliation journey, offering a blend of personal narrative, assessment, and a roadmap for future endeavours towards a truly reconciled nation all with a light touch and a deftly comedic hand.

Home On Native Land

Dive into an immersive experience with “Home On Native Land,” where interactive learning meets in-depth exploration of Indigenous knowledge systems, cultures, and laws. Hosted by Ryan McMahon, this dynamic journey is crafted to adapt to your group’s specific goals, offering a flexible path through the complexities of Indigenous justice in Canada.

Ryan McMahon, a trailblazer in the realms of comedy, writing, and filmmaking, brings a fresh, engaging approach to exploring Indigenous perspectives. “Home On Native Land” is not just a course; it’s an interactive platform where participants actively engage with the material, prompted by the insights of First Nations thinkers, artists, and comedians. 

This program stands as a unique opportunity for those ready to deepen their understanding of Indigenous communities and their contributions to our shared history.

Beyond the basics of residential schools and treaties, this course ventures into the intricate web of Indigenous laws that have shaped Canada long before the constitution was penned. Through an interactive, participant-driven journey, “Home On Native Land” illuminates these ancient systems of knowledge and governance, revealing their relevance in today’s society and environmental stewardship.

Embark on this 10-part series to challenge your perceptions and expand your understanding. “Home On Native Land” is designed to facilitate a deeper connection with the content, encouraging participants to reflect, question, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Ready to transform your understanding and actively participate in the journey toward reconciliation? Visit “Home On Native Land” to start your explorative journey into Indigenous knowledge and laws.

Summary:
“Home On Native Land” offers an interactive, deep-dive experience into Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and laws, led by Ryan McMahon. Designed to accommodate the unique objectives of any group, this flexible course facilitates a hands-on approach to learning. Through engaging with the perspectives of First Nations thinkers, artists, and comedians, participants are invited to expand their understanding beyond conventional topics to explore the rich complexity of Indigenous laws and their contemporary relevance. Embark on this transformative 10-part series for a meaningful exploration into the heart of Indigenous justice in Canada.

Discover more and begin your journey at “Home On Native Land.”

Toward The 2167

As Canada observed its 150th anniversary in 2017, the celebration served not merely as a retrospective of past glories but as a critical juncture for visionary futures. This momentous occasion ignited profound discussions across the nation, from the halls of governance to the heart of household gatherings, focusing on our collective responsibility towards reconciliation. It was a time for reflection, questioning, and most importantly, envisioning the path forward.

Within this period of national introspection, the response from Indigenous communities was notably significant. Many chose not to participate in the celebrations, presenting a moment of crucial awakening for the entire country. This decision highlighted the urgent need for a genuine, deep-seated conversation about Canada’s next steps. Questions emerged, demanding attention: “What direction will Canada choose for its next 150 years? How can we evolve beyond the realm of apologies and initiatives into the creation of truly equitable, safe, and just environments for all citizens? And perhaps most critically, how do we, together, forge our path towards 2167 with purpose and solidarity?”

In this transformative dialogue, Ryan McMahon stands at the forefront, offering his unique perspective as an Anishinaabe comedian, writer, journalist, keynote speaker, and filmmaker. McMahon’s role is pivotal in catalyzing this journey towards a better future. Through his bold and irreverent humor, poignant storytelling, and insightful keynote and workshop presentations, he challenges the status quo, encouraging us to reimagine and reconstruct the societal landscapes around us.

This workshop extends a heartfelt invitation to all participants to engage with these essential questions with an open mind and unwavering determination. Guided by McMahon’s visionary leadership, we embark on a collective endeavor to imagine a Canada that not only acknowledges its past but eagerly anticipates its future. A future where inclusivity, justice, and mutual respect form the bedrock of our society. Join us in shaping a legacy that honors the rich tapestry of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike, forging a path towards a unified and flourishing Canada.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings Your Grandfather Never Taught You

In the quest to reshape Canada, embracing the profound challenges and responsibilities ushered in by reconciliation demands innovative approaches. Ryan McMahon, drawing on his rich Anishinaabe heritage, invites us on an enlightening journey towards societal transformation and enhanced community relations. With the Ojibway language as his guide, McMahon presents the Anishinaabe 7 Grandfather Teachings—principles of Truth, Courage, Wisdom, Humility, Respect, Love, and Honesty—as tools for change, equity, and deeper connections, emphasizing their relevance in today’s social and political discourse.

The essence of McMahon’s message extends beyond the teachings themselves, touching on the broader significance of Indigenous languages as vessels of cultural heritage, identity, and wisdom. These languages offer unique worldviews, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among Indigenous communities while challenging and enriching the broader societal perspective. By integrating these languages and their inherent philosophies into our collective consciousness, we pave the way for a culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Join us in this forward-looking, authoritative, yet welcoming dialogue as we collectively embrace this journey. Through the revitalization and appreciation of Indigenous languages and teachings, we commit to a process of healing, reconciliation, and transformation. Together, let’s reimagine and rebuild a nation grounded in respect, understanding, and shared prosperity, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Indigenous wisdom in guiding us towards a more equitable and just society.

John Wayne is Dead - How Indigenous Storytelling is Transforming the World Around Us

In an era once defined by Hollywood’s portrayal of “heroic cowboys confronting noble savages,” and Disney’s shaping of its empire through misrepresentations of Indigenous stories, a transformative narrative is emerging. This shift, from caricatured depictions to nuanced portrayals in media, underscores a broader societal awakening to the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures. At the heart of this renaissance is the work of Anishinaabe comedian, writer, and journalist Ryan McMahon. Through his bold comedy, poignant storytelling, and inclusiive cultural commentary, Ryan challenges longstanding stereotypes, offering a new lens through which to view Indigenous identity and resilience.

Ryan McMahon’s contributions are pivotal in this era of change. His unique blend of humor and insight not only entertains but educates, pushing boundaries and reimagining the narrative landscape for Indigenous Peoples in North America and beyond. By reclaiming the narrative, Ryan and his contemporaries are not just changing how Indigenous stories are told—they’re transforming the very fabric of popular culture, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and understood on their own terms.

This keynote is a celebration of that transformative power, highlighting the journey from misrepresentation to authenticity, and the role visionaries like Ryan McMahon play in leading this cultural shift. It invites audiences to embrace this new narrative, recognizing the importance of Indigenous-led storytelling in creating a more inclusive, understanding, and enriched global culture.

Summary:
Ryan McMahon stands at the forefront of a cultural shift in media, moving away from outdated stereotypes to authentic Indigenous representation. Through his impactful comedy and storytelling, Ryan challenges and reshapes perceptions, playing a key role in a broader movement towards truthful, Indigenous-led narratives. This keynote celebrates this shift, emphasizing the transformative power of voices like Ryan’s in creating a more inclusive and accurately represented global culture.

Platform Plus Presentations

Unique formats and ways to connect with audiences.
Film Screening & Discussion | Colonization Road
This 90 minute presentation starts off with a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, Colonization Road and is followed by a talk & question and answer period with the films star, Ryan McMahon. The film unpacks the suite of policies & legislation that expedited the creation of Canada and examines how these policies were put in place at the cost of Indigenous Peoples. The film is not so much an indictment on Canada, as it is a look at Canadian history through an Indigenous lens. The film was made as an effort to create a common place to start, a common language to speak, when we look at the possibility of reconciliation and a pathway forward in Canada.
Entertainer | Comedian
Armed with a degree in Theatre & as a graduate of the prestigious Second City Conservatory (Toronto), Ryan’s comedic storytelling style is fast paced, loose & irreverent as he explores the good, the bad & the ugly between Indian Country & the mainstream. Since 2010, McMahon has recorded 3 National comedy specials (Welcome To Turtle Island Too, UnReserved & Red Man Laughing) & 2 taped Gala sets at the prestigious Winnipeg Comedy Festival. In 2012, McMahon became the 1st Native comedian to ever record a full mainstream comedy special with CBC TV (Ryan McMahon - UnReserved) and later that year made his debut at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, QC where he was named to the NEW FACES list at the festival.
Panelist/In-Conversation

Audience reviews:

  • Mr. McMahon's show was exceptionally well designed to put the audience at ease, first nations and others alike. His material walked the delicate line between good-natured satire and ridicule...Mr. McMahon controlled the audience with the deft hand of a maestro directing a symphony. He brought us all up to the point of ruckus laughter and then eased us back into sober reflection...Fantastic experience. I would recommend Ryan McMahon to anyone who appreciates comedy. I would equally recommend Ryan McMahon to anyone who appreciates honest social commentary and political participation. 

    - Attendee, Mi'kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre Faculty of Education Lecture
  • You have a remarkable talent for saying hard things in a way that opens us to new possibilities and a new willingness to see the world differently. Like all great comedy, yours has a basis in the realities of life, including those that are the products of our darker and less admirable humanity…you opened that door for us to walk through without fearing it in your presentation and in the perceptions you brought to the very lively and positive Q and A. You generated a wonderful positive energy at an event.


    - Board Member, YMCA Canada
  • His presentation and workshop were both very well received. There was some tough subject matter covered during the conference and Ryan’s sensitivity mixed with humor really seemed to work with the audience. He rolled with the punches when last minute changes came up during the day and was an all around a pleasure to work with.

    - Project Coordinator, Yukon Government, Department of Health & Social Services, Mental Wellness System Improvement Project
 

Speaker Biography

Ryan McMahon is an Anishinaabe creative who jokes, talks, yells, and writes for a living. He is one of North America’s most celebrated Indigenous comedians whose voice has become vital to both Indigenous & non-Indigenous communities in North America through his unique ability to communicate nuanced and complex issues in engaging and accessible ways.

In 2024, his Thunder Bay docuseries (CRAVE TV) and his role in writing and directing, earned industry recognition with three nominations for the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Factual Series, Best Writing and Best Directing.

His podcasts, Red Man Laughing, Stories from The Land, and Thunder Bay, have received both popular and critical acclaim and have been downloaded millions of times worldwide.

Ryan has recorded five national comedy specials since 2010, has appeared multiple times at the world-renowned Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, and continues to tour North America independently. His comedic storytelling style is irreverent, boundary-pushing, and forward-looking as it investigates the good, the bad and the ugly between the collision of Indian Country and the mainstream.

In 2021, McMahon signed a First Look deal with global film and television powerhouse company eOne, to develop, write, and produce new works across all platforms.

Currently, McMahon is co-writing a book for McClelland & Stewart (Penguin Random House Canada) entitled, Business As Usual, a literary adaptation of his podcast, Thunder Bay.

McMahon’s keynotes and live presentations are forward-looking and inviting as they ask audiences to consider moving past what they believe or understand as he cuts through the tricky subject matter with a comedic and unapologetic touch.

He’s the CEO of the Makoons Media Group and is currently building the worlds only independent Indigenous media platform, Indian & Cowboy, which is committed to digital publishing and the internet.