In the last hundred years, what some term the postcolonial grievance industry has seeped into the realms of education, entertainment, and politics, pushing an anti-Western narrative that leans heavily on a victimhood perspective. This has allowed individuals—often entirely unscathed by any supposed historical wrongdoings—to find a way to profit from the missteps of innocent parties.
Recent discussions have shed light on a notable figure from Sacramento, who was identified as a leading Indigenous writer and scholar. This has prompted Blaze News to compile a list ranking the five most dubious claims to Indigenous identity in North America.
1. Thomas King
After obtaining his PhD in Anglo-American studies from the University of Utah in the late 1980s, Thomas King, born in Sacramento, has woven his supposed Cherokee heritage into both his personal and professional persona. He has been involved in teaching Native Studies across North America and has delved into a variety of topics surrounding Native American identity and history. His bibliography includes works such as “The Inconvenient Indian” and “A Short History of Indians in Canada.” A longtime satirist and commentator on Indigenous issues, Dr. King has garnered multiple awards and governmental support for his efforts.
Yet, revelations have emerged that this acclaimed writer is of entirely European descent. A meeting last month revealed genealogical evidence indicating that he lacks any Cherokee blood on either side of his family. King later stated that he was unaware of this fact but accepted its accuracy upon seeing the evidence.
“I didn’t know there was no Cherokee in my family until I looked at the family tree,” he admitted. “I feel like I’m split in two. I’m not the Indian I always thought I was.”
2. Iron Eyes Cody
Iron Eyes Cody, known for the famous ‘Crying Indian’ PSA from the 1970s, isn’t a stranger to controversies either. Initially presenting himself as having Cherokee and Cree ancestry, it was later revealed that he was actually born to Italian immigrant parents in Louisiana, with his real name being Espera DeCorti. In Hollywood since the 1920s, he maintained an identity as a Native American actor throughout his career while resisting claims about vulnerability—stating, “Indians don’t cry.”
3. Sacheen Littlefeather
Sacheen Littlefeather gained attention when she represented Marlon Brando at the 1973 Oscars, declining the Best Actor Oscar for him in protest against the film industry’s treatment of Native Americans. She claimed Apache descent throughout her life; however, her siblings revealed that she was of mixed European heritage. Her real name was Marie Louise Cruz, and genealogical investigations indicated a primarily European background.
4. Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie, an Academy Award-winning folk musician, has long touted her Native heritage while actively critiquing colonial systems. Despite her claims of being of Indian descent, records indicate she was born in Massachusetts as Beverly Jean Santamaria to parents of Italian and English backgrounds. After decades of asserting various Native ancestries, Canadian media eventually exposed her fraudulent claims, leading to the revocation of her honor as a member of the Order of Canada.
5. Elizabeth Warren
Senator Elizabeth Warren has faced scrutiny over her self-identification as Native American, a designation she claimed through family stories. While serving at the University of Texas, she identified as a minority, reflected on her bar registration, and remained listed as such for years. This controversial stance drew attention, particularly after she was challenged by former President Trump regarding her heritage. A DNA test indicated minimal Native ancestry, and many Indigenous voices criticized her actions, noting the perpetuation of misunderstandings surrounding Indigenous identity.
Dishonorable Mentions
- Jameik High Water: This author claimed a Native background but was ultimately revealed to be of different heritage.
- Elizabeth Hoover: Another professor, she admitted to misidentifying as Native American, acknowledging the advantages her false identity afforded her.
- Heather Ray: A producer accused of fabricating Cherokee ancestry, she offered vague justifications regarding her identity.
- Joseph Boyden: A Canadian author once celebrated for his Indigenous narratives but later exposed as having white ancestry.
