[Ed. note: With the permission of Cherokee academic Joseph M. Pierce (who has previously written on the topic for this magazine), we reprint here the full text of a letter he co-authored with citizens of the Cherokee Nation that makes clear the harm caused by Elizabeth Warren’s misrepresentations.]

February 26, 2020

Dear Senator Warren:

As concerned citizens of the Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, we recognize our responsibility to stand up for our communities: to those we claim and those who claim us.

Senator Warren, as you seek the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, your history of false claims to American Indian identity and the defense of these claims with a highly publicized DNA test continue to dog your political career. For Native Americans, this moment is more than an annoyance; it represents the most public debate about our identity in a generation. In a country where Indigenous people are mostly invisible, what Americans conclude from this debate will impact Native rights for years to come.

Whatever your intentions, your actions have normalized white people claiming to be Native, and perpetuated a dangerous misunderstanding of tribal sovereignty. Your actions do not exist in a vacuum but are part of a long and violent history. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that white members of fake “tribes” have been awarded over $800 million in no-bid federal contracts set aside for minority business owners. Rather than using evidence of Native ancestry, these fake tribes rely solely on family stories and commercial DNA tests. When you still defend yourself by stating you believed what you heard growing up, you set a harmful example for these white people stealing Native identity and resources with stories very similar to your own.

While the average American thinks of Native Americans as a racial category, we are actually political groups. Our rights are based on citizenship in sovereign Nations and those Nations’ treaty relationship to the United States. But that hasn’t stopped opponents to tribes from arguing that laws defending Native rights treat us differently based on race and therefore should be declared unconstitutional. If they win, it could be the end of tribes as we know them. By publicly equating race and biology with Native identity, your DNA test promoted the exact same logic the Right is currently using to try and destroy Native rights.

You have yet to fully address the harm you have caused. While your apologies are a step in the right direction, they have been vague and inadequate. Accountability is not just admitting you made a mistake, but working to correct the harm it caused. A recent collective statement by Cherokee scholars makes clear that any person who publicly identifies as Cherokee has initiated an open discussion about their identity. As a Harvard professor and U.S. Senator, you have the unique opportunity to turn this controversy into a needed learning moment.

As Native community members, academics, activists, scientists, writers, organizers, aunties, uncles, young people, and tribal citizens concerned about the future of Native rights, we call on you to make a clear public statement that includes the following:

Like many other white families, your family story of Cherokee and Delaware ancestry is false and it was wrong for you to repeat it as an adult. You have had the genealogical evidence since 2012. Stating you do not qualify for citizenship is not enough; the truth is you and your ancestors are white.

Equating Cherokee identity with the results of a DNA test was more than a misstep—it was dangerous. Your supporters and the public need to understand why. We ask that you explain that only tribal affiliation and kinship determine Native identity, and that equating Native identity with race and biology erodes the foundation of Indigenous sovereignty.

Claiming Native identity without citizenship, kinship ties, or recognition from Native communities undermines Indigenous self determination. As the most public example of this behavior, you need to clearly state that Native people are the sole authority on who is—and who is not—Native.

Native Americans come from over 574 different nations, each with our own unique histories, languages, cultures, and politics. We do not think with one mind or speak with one voice on this issue—or any other. However, Cherokee citizens are the most impacted not only by your actions but by the growing epidemic of white people claiming to be us. If you truly want to listen and change, then you need to hear all Native voices on this issue—whether or not they serve you.

You have done some good things for Indian Country during your time in political service. You have also done real harm. Right now you have the platform and the opportunity to stand firmly on the side of justice. This is not about politics or your career. This is about the well-being of our nations. The time has come for you to show true leadership and make this right.

Signed:

(Tribal affiliations listed for identification only)

1. ᏥᏍᏆ, ᏣᎳᎩ, ᏥᏍᏆ ᏣᎳᎩ/ O-gah-pah/ Wa-zha-Zhe

2. ᏩᏕ ᎦᎵᏍᎨᏫ Ryan Brandon Mackey, ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ Cherokee Nation

3. ᎢᏯ ᏗᎯ Candessa Tehee, Cherokee Nation

4. Adam Reese, Cherokee Nation

5. Adrienne Keene, Cherokee Nation

6. Ahyoka Youngdeer, Cherokee Nation

7. Alan Harrover, Cherokee Nation

8. Andrea L. Rogers, Cherokee Nation

9. Angi Harrover, Cherokee Nation

10. Austin Holt, Cherokee Nation

11. Benjamin Holt, Cherokee Nation

12. Betty Smoke, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

13. Bill Davis, Cherokee Nation

14. Bill Mann, Cherokee Nation

15. Billie Jo Rich, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

16. Billy Jack Shotpouch, Cherokee Nation

17. Brandon Morris, Cherokee Nation

18. Brandon Scott, Cherokee Nation

19. Brian K. Hudson, Cherokee Nation

20. Brian Kelly Jackson, Cherokee Nation

21. Bryan Pollard, Cherokee Nation

22. Callie Benoit, Cherokee Nation

23. Carabeth Muskrat Samuels, Cherokee Nation

24. Cassandra Lynn Cariker, Cherokee Nation

25. Cassie Snell, Cherokee Nation

26. Catherine Foreman Gray, Cherokee Nation

27. Charles Smith, Cherokee Nation

28. Charmaine Mankiller, Cherokee Nation and Pomo

29. Cheryl Nichols Brown, Cherokee Nation

30. Chris Bacon, Cherokee Nation

31. Christopher Whitmire, Cherokee Nation

32. Clara McCown, Cherokee Nation

33. Cole Hogner, Cherokee Nation

34. Courtney Logan Green Espy, Cherokee Nation

35. Courtney McCoy, Cherokee Nation

36. Cynthia Thompson, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

37. Daniel Heath Justice, Cherokee Nation

38. Daryll Mouse, Cherokee Nation

39. David Cornsilk, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation

40. David Montgomery, Cherokee Nation

41. Deborah Fritts, Cherokee Nation

42. Deboraugh Rogers, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

43. Dennis G. Dye, Cherokee Nation

44. Dillard Pullium, Cherokee Nation

45. Elissa Lyons, Cherokee Nation

46. Forrest Stokes, Cherokee Nation

47. Gayle Samuels, Cherokee Nation

48. Geneva Brixey, Cherokee Nation

49. Grant Linihan, Cherokee Nation

50. Gunnar Hatfield, Cherokee Nation

51. Harry Styron, Cherokee Nation

52. Herb Wolf, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation

53. Jade Day, Cherokee Nation

54. James Armontrout, Cherokee Nation

55. James Gilmartin, Cherokee Nation

56. Janet Foreman-Green, Cherokee Nation

57. Janet Kaye Backwater, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

58. Jared Edens, Cherokee Nation

59. Jeff Corntassel, Cherokee Nation

60. Jeffrey Girty, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

61. Jen Deerinwater, Cherokee Nation

62. Jennie Wilson, Cherokee Nation

63. Jennifer Anderson, Cherokee Nation

64. Jennifer Barger Johnson, Cherokee Nation

65. Jennifer Kate Thiessen, Cherokee Nation

66. Jenny Flippo, Cherokee Nation

67. Jeremie Fisher, Cherokee Nation

68. Jeremy Hamilton, Cherokee Nation

69. Jerid Miller, Cherokee Nation

70. Jerrid Grimmett, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

71. Jesse Sexton, Cherokee Nation

72. Jo Ann Tidwell, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

73. Jonathan Radocay, Cherokee Nation

74. Joseph M. Pierce, Cherokee Nation

75. Katie Jones, Cherokee Nation

76. Kevin Sac, Cherokee Nation

77. Kirby Brown, Cherokee Nation

78. Kristie Bradley, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

79. Krystal Ann William, Cherokee Nation

80. Kurt West, Cherokee Nation

81. Lianna Costantino, Cherokee Nation

82. Linda Easter, Cherokee Nation

83. Linda Sacks, Cherokee Nation

84. Mandy Adair, Cherokee Nation

85. Marcus L. Thompson, Cherokee Nation

86. Mariah Gary, Cherokee Nation

87. Mariah Gladstone, Cherokee Nation

88. Marissa Jane Cundiff, Cherokee Nation

89. Mark DeMucha, Cherokee Nation

90. Mark Downing, Cherokee Nation

91. Mary Aboud, Cherokee Nation

92. Mary Brown, Cherokee Nation

93. Mason Hudson, Cherokee Nation

94. Matthew Anderson, Cherokee Nation

95. Melissa Duggins, Cherokee Nation

96. Michael C. Lambert, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

97. Michael Nephew, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

98. Miranda Harris, Cherokee Nation

99. Mitch McClain, Cherokee Nation

100. Pam Coodey-York Fox, Cherokee Nation

101. Patricia St. Peter, Cherokee Nation and Shawnee Tribe

102. Patricia Wilson, Cherokee Nation

103. Patsy Edgar, Cherokee Nation

104. Paul Braun, Cherokee Nation

105. Rachel Peters, Cherokee Nation

106. Raymond Pettit, Cherokee Nation and Creek Nation

107. Rebecca Nagle, Cherokee Nation

108. Rhonda Lee Earp, Cherokee Nation

109. Richard D. Teel, Cherokee Nation

110. Robert Crossno, Cherokee Nation

111. Robert Easter, Cherokee Nation

112. Robin McLain Smith, Cherokee Nation

113. Roldan Sack, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

114. Ron Collett, Cherokee Nation

115. Ryley Bunch, Cherokee Nation

116. Sandee Tidwell Lovado, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

117. Sasha Walker Hudson, Cherokee Nation

118. Shanda Attika Secondi, Cherokee Nation

119. Shauna Amezcua, Cherokee Nation

120. Shea Vassar, Cherokee Nation

121. Sheila Holmes, Cherokee Nation

122. Shellie Shankle, Cherokee Nation

123. Sherri Kay Hattori, Cherokee Nation

124. Sherrie McElwee, Cherokee Nation

125. Sky Babela Wildcat, Cherokee Nation

126. Snow Matthews, Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians

127. Ali Sacks, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

128. Taylor Keen, Cherokee Nation

129. Thomasenia Johnson, Cherokee Nation

130. Tracey M. Keith, Cherokee Nation

131. Tricia Wickliffe, Cherokee Nation

132. Tsianina Neel, Cherokee Nation

133. Twila Barnes, Cherokee Nation

134. Valerie Leann Kagan, Cherokee Nation

135. Verna Bates, Cherokee Nation

136. Vicki Creighton, Cherokee Nation

137. Victoria M. O’Keefe, Cherokee Nation

138. Virginia Drywater-Whitekiller, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

139. Wayne Divelbiss, Cherokee Nation

140. William Curtis, Cherokee Nation

141. William Lossiah-Bratt, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

142. Wynona Burwell, Cherokee Nation

143. Zac Russell, Cherokee Nation

The undersigned Native citizens stand in solidarity with our Cherokee relatives, friends, and colleagues who face a unique epidemic of non-Natives claiming their identity. We recognize that while the problem most often targets Cherokee identity, the public misunderstanding of what it means to be Native American threatens all of our rights. We hope that this long controversy will end and Senator Warren will do the right thing and set the record straight that Indigenous self-determination comes before before unsubstantiated family stories and DNA testing.

144. Ali Watson, Oglala Lakota

145. Amanda Blackhorse, Diné (Navajo) Nation

146. Amber Starks, Muscogee Creek Citizen

147. Ashley Fairbanks, White Earth Anishinaabe

148. Ashley McCray, Absentee Shawnee Tribe/Oglala Lakota

149. Audra Simpson, Kahnawà:ke Mohawk

150. Candi Brings Plenty, Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe

151. Carole Lindstrom, Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe

152. Charitie Ropati, Native Village of Kongiganak

153. Christine Brown, Delaware Tribe of Indians

154. Cole DeLaune, Kiowa Tribe

155. Cori Taber, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

156. Debbie Reese, Nambé Owingeh

157. DeLesslin George-Warren, Catawba Nation

158. Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear, Northern Cheyenne Nation

159. Dina Gilio-Whitaker, Colville Confederated Tribes

160. Emmy Scott, Spokane and Winnebego Nations

161. Erica Tremblay, Seneca-Cayuga Nation

162. Erin Thomas Anhalt, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

163. Eryn Wise, Jicarilla Apache/Laguna Pueblo

164. Eva Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians

165. Iakowi:he’ne’ Oakes, Mohawk, Snipe Clan, Rotinoshonni

166. J. Kēhaulani Kauanui, Kanaka Maoli

167. Jacqueline Keeler, Diné/Dakota

168. Jean M. O’Brien, White Earth Ojibwe

169. Jen Hubbard, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

170. Jennifer Billie Chadwick, Seminole Tribe of Florida

171. Jennina Rose Gorman/Katsistioasta , St. Reggis Mohawk Tribe

172. Jesse Wente, Ojibwe, Serpent River First Nation

173. Jessica Lambert, Choctaw Nation

174. Jodi Byrd, Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma

175. Jodi Voice Yellowfish, Creek Nation

176. John Little, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

177. Johnnie Jae, Otoe-Missouria/Choctaw

178. Jordan Marie Daniel, Kul Wičasa Oyaté, federally known as the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

179. Joseph Clift, Cowlitz Indian Tribe

180. Jukari Davis, Navajo Nation

181. Julia Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians

182. Kaitlin Curtice, Potawatomi Nation

183. Kat Redding, Powhatan (Pamunkey) and Choctaw/Chickasaw

184. Kawennakenre Shirley Meloche, Mohawk of Kahnawake Canada

185. Keely Toledo, Navajo Nation

186. Kim TallBear, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

187. Krystal Tsosie, Diné (Navajo) Nation

188. Larissa Nez, Navajo Nation

189. Lindsey Naegeli, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

190. Lucas Brown Eyes, Oglala Lakota

191. Madeline Fernandez, Delaware Tribe of Indians

192. Mahayla Perryman-Matthews, Seneca-Cayuga Nation

193. Mariah Greenwood Adair, Chickasaw Nation

194. Marla Striped Face-Collins, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

195. Martie Simmons, Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

196. Mary Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians

197. Megan Red Shirt-Shaw, Oglala Lakota

198. Michelle Cook, Navajo Nation

199. Natalie Diaz, Gila River (Akimel O’odham)

200. Nicholas Galanin, Tlingit/Unangax̂

201. Nick Courtney, Makah

202. Nick Estes, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

203. Nick Martin, Sappony Tribe

204. Renee’ Frerichs, Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

205. Sandy Grande, Quechua

206. Shannon Speed, Chickasaw Nation

207. Sheldon Beach, Chickasaw Nation

208. Summer Wesley, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

209. Tanaya Winder, Duckwater Shoshone

210. Tara Houska, Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe

211. Tara Moses, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

212. Taté Walker, Mniconjou Lakota & citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

213. Tiffany Midge, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

214. Trudie Jackson, Navajo Nation

215. Twyla Baker, Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation)

216. Valerie Lambert, Choctaw Nation

217. Virginia Mouse, Osage/Quapaw

218. Yvonne Perryman-Matthews, Seneca-Cayuga Nation

The letter was organized by four citizens of the Cherokee Nation: Joseph M. Pierce, Daniel Heath Justice, Rebecca Nagle, and Twila Barnes. Media inquiries can be sent to the following email address: ewarrenisnotcherokee@gmail.com.

If you are a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, or the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and would like to sign this letter, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/Vz2ofHxs2rEfdzZq6