Celebrated writer Thomas King revealed that despite a lifelong belief, he is not of Indigenous descent. Known for works like “The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative” and “The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America,” King shared his shock at discovering he lacks Cherokee ancestry.
In an essay titled “A most inconvenient Indian” for the Globe and Mail, King, based in Guelph, Ontario, recounted learning of doubts about his heritage years ago. This year, he actively sought the truth, leading him to the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds in the U.S., with assistance from a University of British Columbia expert, confirming the absence of Cherokee lineage.
The 82-year-old emphasized that he never deliberately misrepresented his heritage. He recounted his childhood, where his father’s departure left his mother as the sole provider, mentioning that his mother had hinted at Cherokee ancestry regarding his father.
Describing the recent revelation as deeply distressing, King expressed feeling torn and reevaluated his identity as an Indigenous person. His distinguished career includes winning the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour for “Indians on Vacation” in 2020 and being honored as a member of the Order of Canada in 2004.
King’s impactful storytelling has sparked conversations on Indigenous issues, earning him recognition and awards. Reflecting on his work, he hoped to initiate discussions on the challenges faced by Native communities in Canada, aiming for long-term dialogue and change.
HarperCollins Canada, King’s long-time publisher, expressed pride in their collaboration spanning over three decades. While the publisher declined further comments, they acknowledged the significance of King’s contributions to literature.
In his essay, King shared his unsuccessful attempts to trace his paternal family in Oklahoma, seeking clarity on his supposed Cherokee roots. Despite the disappointing findings, King anticipated a backlash from the public but remained committed to supporting Indigenous causes and artists moving forward.