Renowned writer Thomas King recently disclosed that despite believing otherwise for most of his life, he does not have Indigenous heritage. King, known for works like “The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative” and “The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America,” shared his shock after discovering that he has no Cherokee ancestry.
In an essay entitled “A most inconvenient Indian” for the Globe and Mail, King, who is based in Guelph, Ontario, revealed that rumors questioning his lineage surfaced several years ago. This year, he took steps to investigate his background, leading him to the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds in the United States, which, with the help of a University of British Columbia scholar, confirmed the absence of Cherokee heritage.
The 82-year-old emphasized that he did not intentionally misrepresent his Indigenous roots. He recounted how his mother had mentioned his father’s Cherokee descent, but recent revelations shattered his long-held belief in his Indigenous identity.
Describing the emotional impact of this revelation, King expressed feeling torn apart and disconnected from the identity he had embraced. Despite the turmoil, he remains committed to supporting Indigenous causes and artists.
King’s literary achievements, including accolades like the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour and membership in the Order of Canada, have been recognized for shedding light on Indigenous issues and challenging cultural stereotypes. His works have been commended for fostering dialogue and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
While the news may spark strong reactions and doubts from the public, King hopes to salvage his reputation and continue advocating for Indigenous causes, acknowledging the challenging journey ahead in navigating the aftermath of this revelation.