U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaks at an American Federation of Teachers rally at Northwest Classen High School in this photo from late September. [Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman]

On the same day that U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren released DNA results that she says prove her Native American heritage, the Cherokee Nation called DNA tests useless for determining tribal citizenship.

"Using a DNA test to lay claim to any connection to the Cherokee Nation or any tribal nation, even vaguely, is inappropriate and wrong," said Chuck Hoskin Jr., the tribe's secretary of state.

"It makes a mockery out of DNA tests and its legitimate uses while also dishonoring legitimate tribal governments and their citizens, whose ancestors are well documented and whose heritage is proven."

Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and possible 2020 presidential candidate, has been dogged in recent years by accusations that she may have exaggerated her claims of Native American heritage. Warren, who was raised in Oklahoma City, has said her connections to the Cherokee and Delaware tribes are part of family lore.