Canada: ‘Inconvenient Indian’ author Thomas King says he is not Indigenous
In a recent essay for Canada’s Globe and Mail, prominent Canadian-American author Thomas King revealed that a genealogical investigation conducted by a researcher associated with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds has found no evidence of Cherokee ancestry in his family lineage. King, who has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and has authored numerous works highlighting the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in North America, has long identified as having Cherokee heritage. This revelation comes amidst growing scrutiny and conversations within both the arts and Indigenous communities regarding claims of Indigenous ancestry, particularly when such claims do not hold up under scrutiny.
In his essay titled “A Most Inconvenient Indian,” King reflects on the implications of these findings and the rumors that have circulated about his heritage. He acknowledges the complexities surrounding identity and the importance of authenticity, especially in a cultural landscape where claims of Indigenous ancestry can sometimes be exploited for personal or professional gain. King’s work has often focused on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, and he has been an outspoken critic of appropriation and misrepresentation. This latest development raises important questions about identity, representation, and the responsibilities of those who claim Indigenous heritage in their work.
King’s admission is particularly significant given the broader context of cultural appropriation and the ongoing struggles for recognition and respect faced by Indigenous peoples. The conversation surrounding his ancestry invites a deeper examination of how identity is constructed and the impact of personal narratives on the collective experience of Indigenous communities. As King navigates this new chapter in his life, he emphasizes the need for honesty and integrity in storytelling, urging others to engage with Indigenous narratives in a respectful and informed manner. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity and the importance of grounding one’s claims in truth.
King has announced a genealogist working with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds found no evidence of Cherokee ancestry in his family lineage
A prominent Canadian-American author, who has long claimed Indigenous ancestry and whose work exposed “the hard truths of the injustices of the Indigenous peoples of North America”, has learned from a genealogist that he has no Cherokee ancestry.
In an essay titled
“A most inconvenient Indian” published on Monday for Canada’s Globe and Mail, Thomas King said he had learned of rumours circulating in recent years within both the arts and Indigenous communities that questioned his Cherokee heritage.
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