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Thomas King Acknowledges He Is Not Indigenous After Genealogy Review

He accepts TAAF genealogical findings, with plans to return his 2003 National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Overview

  • In a mid-November video call with the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, a genealogist reported no Cherokee ancestry on either his Hunt or King family lines, which he accepts.
  • King says he genuinely believed family lore about a Cherokee grandfather and maintains he never intentionally misled anyone.
  • He plans to return his National Aboriginal Achievement Award from 2003, saying his other honours recognize his writing rather than ethnicity.
  • Edmonton Opera and Against the Grain Theatre cancelled a planned Indians on Vacation premiere after concerns from Indigenous community members.
  • Publisher HarperCollins Canada says it will continue to publish his work, as the case fuels renewed scrutiny of public claims to Indigenous identity in Canada.