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In a significant and personal revelation, Thomas King, a renowned author known for his narratives about Indigenous culture, has announced that he is not of Indigenous descent. This disclosure has sparked discussions within literary and Indigenous communities about authenticity and identity.
King, who has long identified as part Cherokee, began to question his heritage after rumors about his ancestry surfaced. In a reflective essay published in the Globe and Mail, he shared that genealogical research conducted by the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds found no evidence of Cherokee heritage in his family tree. This investigation traced his lineage and concluded that there are no Indigenous roots in either the King or Hunt family lines.
Background of the revelation
The 82-year-old author explained that his belief in Cherokee ancestry originated from conversations with his mother during his childhood, who mentioned his father’s supposed Indigenous background. King has embraced this identity as part of a complex narrative regarding Native peoples in North America, as reflected in his acclaimed works, including The Inconvenient Indian.
As he matured and engaged with the Indigenous community, King realized the importance of authenticity in discussions about identity. When doubts about his heritage emerged, he took proactive steps to uncover the truth by collaborating with genealogists and historians.
The impact of false identity
King’s situation highlights the broader implications of falsely claiming Indigenous identity. Earlier, Canadian singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie faced backlash when it was revealed that her claims of Indigenous identity were unfounded, leading to her removal from the Order of Canada. These incidents underscore the serious consequences that can arise from misrepresenting one’s heritage, particularly in a cultural landscape increasingly focused on authenticity.
For King, the revelation has been profoundly unsettling. He described feelings of being “ripped in half,” using the metaphor of a “one-legged man in a two-legged story” to illustrate his sense of dislocation and loss. He stated, “Not the Indian I had in mind. Not an Indian at all,” reflecting the emotional weight of confronting such a personal truth.
Acknowledging the complexities of identity
Throughout his career, King has explored themes of cultural identity and the narratives shaping Indigenous storytelling. His works have often served as a medium for understanding the experiences and challenges faced by Native peoples. With this new understanding of his identity, King acknowledges the complexities surrounding heritage and representation.
In his essay, he anticipates a “firestorm” of reactions from the public, as many may feel anger, disbelief, or betrayal. He reflects on the potential fallout from this revelation, questioning the future of his reputation and career in light of this significant personal disclosure.
Future aspirations and support
Despite this upheaval, King remains committed to supporting Indigenous causes and artists. He hopes his situation will foster deeper conversations about identity and the responsibilities involved in representing Indigenous cultures. “I’d like to think that, at the very least, I will be able to find a way to continue to support Indigenous causes and Indigenous artists,” he stated, recognizing the challenges that lie ahead.
King’s literary contributions have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the Governor General’s Award and the RBC Taylor Prize. As he navigates this new chapter of his life, his dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding within Indigenous narratives remains steadfast.
King, who has long identified as part Cherokee, began to question his heritage after rumors about his ancestry surfaced. In a reflective essay published in the Globe and Mail, he shared that genealogical research conducted by the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds found no evidence of Cherokee heritage in his family tree. This investigation traced his lineage and concluded that there are no Indigenous roots in either the King or Hunt family lines.0