Renowned author Thomas King made a surprising announcement on Monday, revealing that he does not have any Cherokee heritage as previously believed. This disclosure has elicited mixed reactions from Indigenous writers and scholars, with some viewing it as a positive initial step while others question the level of accountability demonstrated.
Known for his works such as “The Inconvenient Indian” and “Indians on Vacation,” King shared in an essay published in The Globe and Mail that his Cherokee ancestry was debunked during a meeting with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (TAAF), a U.S.-based organization.
Daniel Heath Justice, a member of the Cherokee Nation and a professor at the University of British Columbia, participated in the discussion between TAAF and King. Justice mentioned that while King appeared genuinely surprised by the revelation, many Cherokee citizens had long been aware that King lacked Cherokee descent.
Emphasizing the importance of accountability, Justice remarked that while King’s acknowledgment is a positive starting point, more actions are necessary beyond just words. He highlighted the opportunity for broader learning and recognition of the contributions of various Indigenous voices in the literary landscape.
In response to the news, Anishnaabe writer Jesse Wente reflected on the impact on King’s students and the broader community. Wente expressed a sense of detachment from King following previous experiences, citing a need for timely resolution of such issues, especially when individuals present themselves publicly in specific ways.
Wente stressed the significance of personal healing and urged King to take responsibility for repairing relationships affected by the disclosure. He underscored the importance of empathy and understanding within Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and support in facing challenging situations.
Additionally, Celeste Pedri-Spade, an Anishinaabe associate professor at McGill University, criticized what she perceived as a lack of transparency in King’s statement. She called on King to demonstrate his commitment to Indigenous causes by channeling his book royalties towards supporting Indigenous students and emerging writers, advocating for tangible actions to back up his words.