An acclaimed author, Thomas King, has publicly revealed that he has no Indigenous heritage, despite identifying as part-Cherokee throughout his career. The revelation, which came following a consultation with a genealogist from the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, has left the 82-year-old writer in shock. King has dedicated nearly four decades to documenting the experiences of Native Americans, a claim now complicated by this newfound information.
King disclosed the unexpected news in an article published in The Globe and Mail, stating that he was blindsided by the revelation. He had long believed his mother’s assertions that his biological father was part-Cherokee. For years, he dismissed rumors questioning his ancestry, but a recent inquiry into his family history has fundamentally altered his understanding of his identity.
During a video call with the genealogist and a professor of Indigenous studies, King learned that extensive research into his father’s lineage revealed no connection to the Cherokee community. The genealogist traced both the King and Hunt family lines, uncovering that neither contained any Indigenous ancestry. King reflected on the emotional impact of this finding, expressing in his article, “At 82, I feel as though I’ve been ripped in half, a one-legged man in a two-legged story. Not the Indian I had in mind. Not an Indian at all.”
Despite his father’s departure when he was only three years old, King had previously found confirmation of his Indigenous roots from relatives. An aunt on his paternal side had also claimed Cherokee ancestry, further solidifying his belief in his heritage. Yet, the genealogical research revealed a different reality, one that King is now grappling with as he considers the implications of his claimed identity.
King has authored over 20 books, focusing primarily on the Native American experience. His work has received significant recognition, culminating in his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2020, one of the highest honors in the nation. His literature has been praised for exposing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and has contributed to a broader understanding of Canadian history.
As King reflects on his career, he acknowledges the “inconvenient truths” that accompany this revelation. He questions whether his claimed Cherokee heritage provided him with advantages in publishing and whether he unintentionally overshadowed other Indigenous authors. While he has not issued a public apology, he understands why Indigenous communities might distance themselves from him now. The recommendation from the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds suggested an apology, but King feels that such a statement would imply he knowingly misrepresented himself, which he insists was never the case.
King’s situation arises amid heightened scrutiny of public figures claiming Indigenous ancestry. Recently, Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston, faced backlash for hosting an exclusive holiday event for elected officials of color, which led to questions about her own heritage. Other notable figures, such as Canadian singer Buffy Sainte-Marie and academic Andrea Smith, have also faced allegations regarding the authenticity of their claimed Indigenous backgrounds, highlighting the growing conversation about identity and representation.
As King navigates this complex and painful chapter of his life, he remains a significant figure in literature, known for his poignant storytelling and dedication to Indigenous issues. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and the ongoing dialogue surrounding cultural identity in contemporary society.
