Joey Clift with Vanessa Lillie: We've Been Here the Whole Time

Join us at Brookline Booksmith to celebrate the release of We've Been Here the Whole Time with author Joey Clift, in conversation with Vanessa Lillie.

Register for the event!

RSVP to let us know you're coming! Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. In the event that we reach capacity and have to close RSVPs, there will not be a waiting list.

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EVENT ATTENDEES: Preorder your copy of We've Been Here the Whole Time through this page. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. Books can be picked up 30 minutes before the event in the event space.

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT? Preorder the book here to have it signed, and choose to have it held for pickup or shipped from the store!

Book orders are processed for pickup or shipping after ticket sales have closed.

Event accessibility

• This event will take place at street level.
• If possible, events are livestreamed. Check out our store YouTube channel for livestream updates.
• ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
• Please email us at ticketing@brooklinebooksmith.com as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. Seats are limited.We will do our best to serve your needs!

We've Been Here the Whole Time!: A Not So Sacred Guide to All Things Native America

Peabody and Emmy-nominated Native comedian Joey Clift takes you on a journey to discover the largest population you don’t know in his hilarious debut for fans of Michael Harriot, Mo Rocca, and Phoebe Robinson.

Foreword by Shane Hawk, writer and co-editor of Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology!

Put away the construction paper: This contraband book is here to teach you everything your high school refused to teach about Native American history, people, and culture. From misunderstood figures like Pocahontas, to sports mascots, to the Land Back movement, to how cool Lily Gladstone is, this hilarious NDN-approved guide is the first of its kind––illustrated in an irreverent, textbook-meets-notebook style by Diné artist Julie Fiveash. Sharewith your loved ones and transform your boring Thanksgiving into a big “You’re Welcome” dance party!

Joey Clift (Cowlitz tribe) walks you through a wide range of information that will answer provocative questions and debunk Americans' wildest assumptions, like:

• “Native American” or “American Indian”: What the heck do we call you?
• Is it appropriate to do a Land Acknowledgement over Zoom?
• Why saying “I’m 1/16th Cherokee” is like saying you’re “1/16th Californian’
• Columbus Day is a holiday for a guy who was bad at pretty much everything
• Are Native American people extinct? No! Stop asking!

This giftable, conversation-starting book is perfect for history buffs, teachers, and comedy lovers alike. Funny, fearless, and deeply informative, Joey Clift’s debut reminds readers that Native people aren’t just part of history—they’ve been here the whole time.

Joey Clift is a Los Angeles-based comedian, TV writer, director, Peabody and Emmy-nominated producer, and enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Joey attended college to become a local TV weather person because he didn’t see any Native American comedians on television as a kid, and that made him believe he wasn’t allowed to work in comedy. He has since proven otherwise, writing for critically acclaimed TV series like Spirit Rangers on Netflix, Molly of Denali on PBS and Paw Patrol on Nickelodeon. Joey created Gone Native, a Webby-winning Comedy Central Digital series and his short films have screened everywhere from Just for Laughs to the Smithsonian Museum.

Vanessa Lillie is the USA Today bestselling author of seven thriller novels, including Blood Sisters and most recently, The Bone Thief, which is set in Rhode Island and focuses on the Narragansett tribe's history and modern resiliency in a twisty mystery, named among best of the year by the Washington Post. She’s the creator and coauthor of the # 1 Audible bestseller and award nominated,Young Rich Widows series, set in 1980s Providence. Originally from Oklahoma, she is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and proudly Two-Spirit, follow her on socials for great Indigenous book recommendations.

About Brookline Booksmith

Brookline Booksmith, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts, since 1961, is one of New England’s premier independent bookstores. We offer a vast selection of books, ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles. We are also known for our beautiful and inspired gifts. Customers buy and sell gently used books in our treasured Used Book Cellar and enjoy our bountiful bargain book selection. We host award-winning events series (including our groundbreaking Transnational Literature Series), offering more than 300 author talks, community conversations, and book clubs annually. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!