Inconvenient Indian Author Thomas King Reveals He Has No Cherokee Ancestry

Canadian author Thomas King has publicly apologized. He revealed he has no Indigenous ancestry. This follows a genealogical investigation.

King long claimed Cherokee heritage. This identity was central to his celebrated literary career. The news has sent shockwaves through the cultural community.

Genealogical Search Uncovers “No Indians Anywhere to be Found”

The investigation was conducted by the U.S.-based Tribal Alliance Against Frauds. According to King’s column in the Globe and Mail, the search found no known Cherokee lineage. He stated there was no Cherokee on either his father’s or mother’s side.

King expressed profound personal devastation. He described feeling “ripped in half” by the findings. His writing and public persona were built around his claimed identity.

This revelation impacts his body of work. His book, The Inconvenient Indian, is a seminal text on Indigenous experience. A documentary adaptation was previously pulled from the Sundance Film Festival over the director’s disputed identity.

Latest Blow to Canadian Arts Amid Indigenous Identity Scandals

This case is the latest in a series of high-profile scandals. The Canadian arts industry has actively supported Indigenous creators with funding and platforms. These incidents challenge the integrity of that support system.

Earlier, singer Buffy Sainte-Marie was stripped of the Order of Canada. A CBC investigation alleged she had fraudulently posed as Indigenous. Her career, spanning decades, included an Oscar win for the song “Up Where We Belong.”

King’s career is similarly deeply rooted in Indigenous narratives. He wrote for the TV series North of 60 and directed the short film I’m Not the Indian You Had in Mind. His work has shaped perceptions of Native life in North America.

The exposure of Thomas King’s Indigenous identity marks a pivotal moment for cultural authenticity. It forces a difficult conversation about representation and truth in the arts. The industry now faces renewed pressure to verify claims.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Thomas King apologize for?

Thomas King apologized for falsely claiming Cherokee ancestry his entire professional life. A genealogical investigation found he has no Indigenous roots. He expressed deep regret for the deception.

Who conducted the investigation into King’s background?

The Tribal Alliance Against Frauds performed the genealogical search. This U.S.-based group investigates false claims of Indigenous identity. Their findings were presented to King directly.

Has this happened with other prominent Canadian figures?

Yes. Singer Buffy Sainte-Marie was recently involved in a similar scandal. An investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate questioned her Indigenous ancestry. She was subsequently stripped of the Order of Canada.

What is the impact on King’s literary work?

His work, especially *The Inconvenient Indian*, is now viewed in a different light. The book is a critical exploration of Indigenous identity. Its authority is fundamentally challenged by this revelation.

Why does this matter for the arts community?

It undermines trust in a sector that allocates specific resources for Indigenous artists. It also harms authentic Indigenous voices who are displaced by false claims. The scandal prompts calls for better verification processes.