Thomas King Discloses Lack of Cherokee Ancestry After Genealogical Findings

Thomas King, a prominent Canadian-American author renowned for his exploration of Indigenous issues, has revealed he does not have Cherokee ancestry as previously believed. In a recent essay published in the Globe and Mail, King stated that a genealogist associated with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (Taaf) found no evidence of such lineage on either side of his family tree.

In mid-November, King consulted with Taaf following rumors that emerged within arts and Indigenous communities questioning his claims of Cherokee heritage. The organization, based in North Carolina, aims to combat identity fraud among Indigenous peoples and served as the catalyst for King’s reassessment of his identity.

In his reflective piece, King expressed deep emotional turmoil upon receiving the news. “At 82, I feel as though I’ve been ripped in half,” he articulated, outlining the dissonance between his identity and the revelations. He further acknowledged that he had long held on to family stories suggesting a connection to Cherokee roots through his grandfather, Elvin Hunt. However, the genealogical research disproved these claims.

A graduate of the University of Lethbridge, where he taught Indigenous studies, King has gained considerable recognition for his literary contributions, including the award-winning book The Inconvenient Indian. His work has been praised for shedding light on the complexities of Aboriginal experiences within Canada and the broader narrative of European colonization.

King's accolades include the 2014 RBC Taylor Prize for non-fiction and the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour in 2020. In the same year, he was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, recognizing his significant contribution to the country's culture.

In light of the genealogical findings, King has indicated his intention to return the National Aboriginal Achievement Award he received in 2003, asserting that while his accolades stem from literary merit, the matter of identity carries a weight that requires consideration.

King's experience is part of a growing trend where public figures face scrutiny over their claimed Indigenous roots. Notably, Buffy Sainte-Marie, a celebrated folk singer, also had her claims of Indigenous ancestry recently challenged, adding to the discourse surrounding identity authenticity and representation.

Reflecting on his journey, King stated he never aimed to deceive anyone and believed sincerely in his heritage. He noted that while Taaf suggested he might consider an apology for his previous assertions, he felt such an act implied wrongdoing, which he contended was not the case. Still, he recognized the necessity of transparent dialogue regarding identity and ancestry. This incident emphasizes ongoing discussions about Indigenous identity in Canada, raising critical questions about authenticity and cultural belonging. #IndigenousIdentity #CulturalHeritage #ThomasKing