Celebrated writer Thomas King recently shared that despite his lifelong belief, he is not of Indigenous descent. Known for works such as “The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative” and “The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America,” King expressed shock upon discovering that he does not have Cherokee ancestry.
In an essay titled “A most inconvenient Indian” published in the Globe and Mail, King revealed that rumors questioning his heritage surfaced several years ago. Seeking clarity, the California-born author sought assistance from the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a U.S. organization. Their investigation, supported by a University of British Columbia scholar, confirmed the absence of Cherokee lineage in King’s background.
The 82-year-old clarified that he had never intentionally misrepresented his heritage. He recounted his childhood, where his father’s departure led to sparse mentions of a Cherokee connection by his mother. King described the recent revelation as deeply distressing, feeling as though he had been “ripped in half.”
Throughout his illustrious career, King has been honored with prestigious awards like the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour and induction into the Order of Canada. His impactful storytelling has been commended for shedding light on the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and fostering dialogue and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Reflecting on the potential impact of his work, King expressed hope that it would spark meaningful conversations about the state of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Despite the unforeseen turn of events regarding his heritage, his publisher, HarperCollins Canada, affirmed its enduring support for King’s contributions spanning over three decades.
As King navigates the aftermath of this revelation, he anticipates a range of emotions from the public, including anger and disbelief. Despite the challenges ahead, he aims to continue advocating for Indigenous causes and supporting Indigenous artists, acknowledging the complexities that may arise in light of his newfound understanding of his ancestry.
