BREAKING: Acclaimed author Thomas King, known for his profound narratives on Indigenous experiences, has revealed he is not of Native American heritage. The shocking admission comes after a genealogist from the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds informed him that his claims of Cherokee ancestry are unfounded.
This revelation, made public on November 26, 2025, has sent ripples through the literary and Indigenous communities. King, aged 82, has dedicated over four decades to writing about Native American issues, believing he had Cherokee lineage based on information from his mother and other family members.
In a heartfelt piece published in The Globe and Mail, King expressed his devastation: “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.”
King’s journey to uncover the truth began when he reached out to the Tribal Alliance in October 2025 after hearing persistent rumors about his heritage. During a recent video call, he learned that extensive research traced his family history back, revealing no connection to the Cherokee Nation. “No Cherokee on the King side. No Cherokee on the Hunt side. No Indians anywhere to be found,” he wrote.
This scandal has ignited a broader conversation about the authenticity of claims to Indigenous identity, especially among public figures. King is now left to grapple with whether he unintentionally took opportunities from genuine Indigenous authors. Despite the recommendation from the Tribal Alliance to apologize, he refrains from doing so, stating he genuinely believed in his mixed heritage.
King’s admission comes at a time when questions surrounding the legitimacy of Indigenous claims are gaining momentum. High-profile cases include Buffy Saint-Marie, who faced accusations of faking her heritage, and Andrea Smith, a professor who was criticized for alleged misrepresentation of her Native lineage.
Moreover, Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston, encountered backlash for hosting a holiday event exclusively for elected officials of color, further spotlighting the complexities of identity politics in contemporary society.
As King reflects on his legacy, he acknowledges the “inconvenient truths” that accompany his newfound reality. His literary work, which has earned him accolades including the prestigious Companion of the Order of Canada in 2020, will now be viewed through a different lens, raising questions about the impact of his claimed identity on his writing and advocacy.
The implications of this revelation extend beyond King himself, prompting a critical examination of the narratives surrounding Indigenous stories. Readers and advocates alike are left to ponder the authenticity of those who speak for Indigenous experiences.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on how King navigates his path forward and whether he will continue to engage with Indigenous causes amidst the fallout from this revelation.
