Why Did the Cherokee Nation Not Support Elizabeth Warren’s Claims to Cherokee Ancestry?

Elizabeth Warren’s claims to Cherokee ancestry have been a contentious issue in American politics, particularly regarding her initial assertion of her heritage and the subsequent support from the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation's decision not to support Warren’s claims highlights a complex interplay of cultural, political, and ancestry-related factors.

Context and Background

The Cherokee Nation, a Native American tribe in the southeastern United States, has a long and often tumultuous history with the American government. This context is crucial when understanding why the Cherokee Nation chose not to support Warren's claims to Cherokee ancestry.

The Cherokee Nation's Stance

The Cherokee Nation did not support Warren's claim to have Cherokee ancestry primarily due to their belief that her use of a DNA test to prove her ancestry was "inappropriate and wrong." They further stated that Warren was "undermining tribal interests with her continued claims of tribal heritage."

Warren's DNA Claim

Warren’s claim to have Cherokee ancestry became a political issue in 2012 when she ran for Senate in Massachusetts. Critics questioned whether she received any advantages from claiming Native American ancestry, but there is no evidence that she benefited. In 2018, Warren released the results of a genetic test showing she has a small but detectable amount of Native American DNA. The report concluded there is "strong evidence" she had a Native American ancestor approximately six to 10 generations ago. However, the results do not reveal whether that individual was a member of any specific tribe.

Critical Voices and Support

Native American activists and some tribal members were particularly critical of Warren. They argued that reducing their identity to a DNA test was disrespectful and inappropriate. One prominent voice, DJ George Ahnishinabe Nation, expressed frustration with the situation:

She’s not Cherokee. Support a Wannabe Think not. She doesn’t have respect and tries to play Indian Princess… That vaguely irritates the hell outta me...

Others echoed the similar sentiment:

She doesn’t have Cherokee ancestry or political affiliation. Why would the tribal nation “support” her in any capacity?

The Cherokee Nation's position was clear: Warren should fill out the necessary paperwork to make her claims, and the Cherokee Nation would not support her for political reasons. The tribe emphasized that acknowledging the Cherokee's past suffering and the American government's role in their history was not something the Cherokee Nation owed any member of the American government.

Legitimization of Claims vs. Cultural Respect

The issue of legitimacy in claims to Indigenous heritage raises important questions about cultural respect and the appropriate way to make such claims. The argument from the Cherokee Nation is that Warren should respect the integrity of the tribe's heritage rather than relying on a DNA test to make her assertion. This stance reflects a broader discussion in Indigenous communities about the proper ways to honor and understand ancestral connections.

Conclusion

The Cherokee Nation's decision not to support Elizabeth Warren's claims to Cherokee ancestry underscores the complexities of Indigenous identity, cultural respect, and the proper ways to engage with ancestry. It is a reminder that claims of Indigenous heritage should be approached with sensitivity and respect for the cultural traditions and histories of Indigenous nations.