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Rooting out Indigenous identity fraud in academia, the arts and politics

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Members of the Urban Native Education Alliance march in Seattle.
Savanna Briggs-Vielle, of the Blackfeet tribe, left, Lisa Monger, of the Tulalip tribe, Kayla Harstad, of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Sajali Keeline of the Muckleshoot tribe, second from right, drum with the Urban Native Education Alliance during the third annual march and gathering for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, People & Families, Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Seattle. Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo

White academics, artists and others who make fraudulent claims of Indigenous ancestry do so for personal gain. Called “pretendians,” they do harm through misrepresentation and taking opportunities intended for Native people. Two guests, an Indigenous attorney and professor, argue for their exposure.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Joel Patenaude Producer
  • Trina La Susa Technical Director
  • Jean Teillet Guest
  • Audra Simpson Guest

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