The Cherokee Nation of Mexico Myth: Exposing a Fake Tribe's Claims and Operations

The myth surrounding the purported Cherokee Nation of Mexico, based in Coahuila, is just another example of White Americans engaging in extreme cultural usurpation and LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), involving Mexican officials in the 1990s.

Background and Historical Context

The Cherokee Nation, recognized as one of the federally-recognized tribes in the United States, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has in the past repudiated the claims of the Cherokee Nation of Mexico. These tribes, like many others, maintain lists of known fake Cherokee tribes or Cherokee-identifying groups. The taskforces or committees responsible for compiling and maintaining these lists may no longer exist, but the claims and the recurring nature of these fake groups continue.

Claims and Evidence

Despite their purported base in Coahuila, the Cherokee Nation of Mexico is mostly based in Texas and has no real presence in Mexico. They use a mix of historical facts and outright fraudulent claims to support their existence. For instance, they point to brief historical examples of Cherokee presence or operations in Mexican territory in the 19th century, while also making baseless assertions that lack concrete historical support.

Leadership and Operations

The leadership of the Cherokee Nation of Mexico is largely headed by a prominent figure who is known for being a charlatan. This person and their relatives along with those who can be involved in the larger scam are the key operatives. They use different aliases, making it difficult to identify or track them.

Recognition by Mexican Authorities

To add a veneer of legitimacy, the group reportedly scammed some Mexican officials into providing some form of recognition for "Mexican Cherokees." However, this recognition is meaningless and very general, serving only to bolster their claim rather than provide any substantial support for their existence or rights.

Consequences and Reactions

The Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have openly denounced these claims as false. Their lists of known fake Cherokee groups include the Cherokee Nation of Mexico. While the specific taskforces or committees responsible for maintaining these lists may no longer exist, the process of identifying and debunking fake groups continues, as they pose a constant threat to the reputation and rights of genuine Cherokee tribes.

Conclusion

The Cherokee Nation of Mexico is yet another instance of White Americans engaging in cultural appropriation and LARPing. Their claims are fraudulent, and their operations are a sham. It is essential to expose such groups for the fake tribes they are, to prevent further cultural usurpation and to protect the rights and reputation of genuine Cherokee tribes.

For readers interested in learning more about genuine Cherokee tribes and their histories, resources like the official websites of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and other federally-recognized Cherokee tribes provide credible information.