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. ᎧᏂᎦ ᎪᎳᎭ Roy Boney, Jr., Cherokee Nation
5. Adam Reese, Cherokee Nation
6. Adrienne Keene, Cherokee Nation
7. Ahyoka Youngdeer, Cherokee Nation
8. Alan Harrover, Cherokee Nation
9. Andrea L. Rogers, Cherokee Nation
10. Andrea Squires, Cherokee Nation
11. Angi Harrover, Cherokee Nation
12. Austin Holt, Cherokee Nation
13. Benjamin Holt, Cherokee Nation
14. Betty Smoke, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
15. Bill Davis, Cherokee Nation
16. Bill Mann, Cherokee Nation
17. Billie Jo Rich, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
18. Billy Jack Shotpouch, Cherokee Nation
19. Brandon Caruso, Cherokee Nation
20. Brandon Morris, Cherokee Nation
21. Brandon Scott, Cherokee Nation
22. Brooke Caruso, Cherokee Nation
23. Brian K. Hudson, Cherokee Nation
24. Brian Kelly Jackson, Cherokee Nation
25. Bryan Pollard, Cherokee Nation
26. Callie Benoit, Cherokee Nation
27. Carabeth Muskrat Samuels, Cherokee Nation
28. Cassandra Lynn Cariker, Cherokee Nation
29. Cassie Snell, Cherokee Nation
30. Catherine Foreman Gray, Cherokee Nation
31. Charles Smith, Cherokee Nation
32. Charmaine Mankiller, Cherokee Nation and Pomo
33. Cheryl Nichols Brown, Cherokee Nation
34. Chris Bacon, Cherokee Nation
35. Christopher Whitmire, Cherokee Nation
36. Clara McCown, Cherokee Nation
37. Cole Hogner, Cherokee Nation
38. Courtney Logan Green Espy, Cherokee Nation
39. Courtney McCoy, Cherokee Nation
40. Cynthia Thompson, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
41. Daniel Heath Justice, Cherokee Nation
42. Daniel S. Ketcher, Cherokee Nation
43. Daryll Mouse, Cherokee Nation
44. David Cornsilk, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation
45. David Montgomery, Cherokee Nation
46. Deborah Fritts, Cherokee Nation
47. Deboraugh Rogers, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
48. Dewey Sunday, Cherokee Nation
49. Dennis G. Dye, Cherokee Nation
50. Dillard Pullium, Cherokee Nation
51. Elissa Lyons, Cherokee Nation
52. Eva Garroutte, Cherokee Nation
53. Forrest Stokes, Cherokee Nation
54. Gayle Samuels, Cherokee Nation
55. Geneva Brixey, Cherokee Nation
56. Grant Linihan, Cherokee Nation
57. Gunnar Hatfield, Cherokee Nation
58. Harry Styron, Cherokee Nation
59. Herb Wolf, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation
60. Holly Gallagher, Cherokee Nation
61. Jade Day, Cherokee Nation
62. James Armontrout, Cherokee Nation
63. James Gilmartin, Cherokee Nation
64. Janet Foreman-Green, Cherokee Nation
65. Janet Kaye Backwater, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
66. Jared Evans, Cherokee Nation
67. Jason Cook, Cherokee Nation
68. Jeff Corntassel, Cherokee Nation
69. Jeffrey Girty, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
70. Jeffery Roaa, Cherokee Nation
71. Jen Deerinwater, Cherokee Nation
72. Jeanette Haynes Writer, Cherokee Nation
73. Jeannie Tidwell, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
74. Jennie Wilson, Cherokee Nation
75. Jennifer Anderson, Cherokee Nation
76. Jennifer Barger Johnson, Cherokee Nation
77. Jennifer Kate Thiessen, Cherokee Nation
78. Jenny Flippo, Cherokee Nation
79. Jeremie Fisher, Cherokee Nation
80. Jeremy Hamilton, Cherokee Nation
81. Jerid Miller, Cherokee Nation
82. Jerrid Grimmett, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
83. Jesse Sexton, Cherokee Nation
84. Jo Ann Tidwell, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
85. JoAnn Foster, Cherokee Nation
86. Jonathan Radocay, Cherokee Nation
87. Jonathan E Reynolds, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
88. Joseph M. Pierce, Cherokee Nation
89. Judith Matthews, Cherokee Nation
90. Kacey Soliz, Cherokee Nation
91. Kailey Bennett, Cherokee Nation
92. Karen Dennis, Cherokee Nation
93. Katie Jones, Cherokee Nation
94. Keith Gable, Cherokee Nation
95. Kevin Sac, Cherokee Nation
96. Kirby Brown, Cherokee Nation
97. Kristi Adams, Cherokee Nation
98. Kristie Bradley, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
99. Kristi Griffin Hansen, Cherokee Nation
100. Krystal Ann William, Cherokee Nation
101. Kurt West, Cherokee Nation
102. Lianna Costantino, Cherokee Nation
103. Linda Easter, Cherokee Nation
104. Linda Sacks, Cherokee Nation
105. Logan Tootle, Cherokee Nation
106. Mandy Adair, Cherokee Nation
107. Marcus L. Thompson, Cherokee Nation
108. Mariah Gary, Cherokee Nation
109. Mariah Gladstone, Cherokee Nation
110. Marissa Jane Cundiff, Cherokee Nation
111. Mark DeMucha, Cherokee Nation
112. Mark Downing, Cherokee Nation
113. Mary Aboud, Cherokee Nation
114. Mary Brown, Cherokee Nation
115. Mason Hudson, Cherokee Nation
116. Matthew Anderson, Cherokee Nation
117. Meghan Feyerabend, Cherokee Nation
118. Melissa Duggins, Cherokee Nation
119. Meschelle Linjean, Cherokee Nation
120. Michael C. Lambert, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
121. Michael Nephew, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
122. Miranda Harris, Cherokee Nation
123. Mitch McClain, Cherokee Nation
124. Nataleigh Manz, Cherokee Nation
125. Natalie Welch, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
126. Nolan Manz, Cherokee Nation
127. Pam Coodey-York Fox, Cherokee Nation
128. Dr. Patricia J King, Cherokee Nation
129. Patricia St. Peter, Cherokee Nation and Shawnee Tribe
130. Patricia Wilson, Cherokee Nation
131. Patsy Edgar, Cherokee Nation
132. Paul Braun, Cherokee Nation
133. Paul N Sunday, Cherokee Nation
134. Phoenix Dunn, Cherokee Nation
135. Rachel Peters, Cherokee Nation
136. Raymond Pettit, Cherokee Nation and Creek Nation
137. Rebecca Nagle, Cherokee Nation
138. Regina Pickard, Cherokee Nation
139. Regina Pritchett, Cherokee Nation
140. Rhonda Lee Earp, Cherokee Nation
141. Richard D. Teel, Cherokee Nation
142. Robert Crossno, Cherokee Nation
143. Robert Easter, Cherokee Nation
144. Robin McLain Smith, Cherokee Nation
145. Roldan Sack, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
146. Ron Collett, Cherokee Nation
147. Ryley Bunch, Cherokee Nation
148. Sandee Tidwell Lovado, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
149. Sasha Walker Hudson, Cherokee Nation
150. Shanda Attika Secondi, Cherokee Nation
151. Shane Roberson, Cherokee Nation
152. Shauna Amezcua, Cherokee Nation
153. Shea Vassar, Cherokee Nation
154. Sheila Holmes, Cherokee Nation
155. Shellie Shankle, Cherokee Nation
156. Sherri Kay Hattori, Cherokee Nation
157. Sherrie McElwee, Cherokee Nation
158. Shilow Campbell, Cherokee Nation
159. Sky Babela Wildcat, Cherokee Nation
160. Snow Matthews, Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe of Indians
161. Ali Sacks, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
162. Taylor Keen, Cherokee Nation
163. Thomasenia Johnson, Cherokee Nation
164. Tracey M. Keith, Cherokee Nation
165. Tricia Wickliffe, Cherokee Nation
166. Tsianina Neel, Cherokee Nation
167. Twila Barnes, Cherokee Nation
168. Valerie Leann Kagan, Cherokee Nation
169. Verna Bates, Cherokee Nation
170. Vicki Creighton, Cherokee Nation
171. Victoria M. O’Keefe, Cherokee Nation
172. Virginia Drywater-Whitekiller, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
173. Wayne Divelbiss, Cherokee Nation
174. William Curtis, Cherokee Nation
175. William Lossiah-Bratt, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
176. Wynona Burwell, Cherokee Nation
177. 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.

1. Ali Watson, Oglala Lakota
2. Amanda Blackhorse, Diné (Navajo) Nation
3. Amber Starks, Muscogee Creek Citizen
4. Ashley Fairbanks, White Earth Anishinaabe
5. Ashley McCray, Absentee Shawnee Tribe/ Oglala Lakota
6. Audra Simpson, Kahnawà:ke Mohawk
7. Candi Brings Plenty, Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe
8. Carole Lindstrom, Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe
9. Charitie Ropati, Native Village of Kongiganak
10. Christine Brown, Delaware Tribe of Indians
11. Cole DeLaune, Kiowa Tribe
12. Cori Taber, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
13. Debbie Reese, Nambé Owingeh
14. DeLesslin George-Warren, Catawba Nation
15. Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear, Northern Cheyenne Nation
16. Dina Gilio-Whitaker, Colville Confederated Tribes
17. Emmy Scott, Spokane and Winnebego Nations
18. Erica Tremblay, Seneca-Cayuga Nation
19. Erin Thomas Anhalt, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
20. Eryn Wise, Jicarilla Apache/Laguna Pueblo
21. Eva Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians
22. Iakowi:he’ne’ Oakes, Mohawk, Snipe Clan, Rotinoshonni
23. J. Kēhaulani Kauanui, Kanaka Maoli
24. Jacqueline Keeler, Diné/Dakota
25. Jean M. O’Brien, White Earth Ojibwe
26. Jeffrey Hogrefe, Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Oglala Lakota
27. Jen Hubbard, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
28. Jennifer Billie Chadwick, Seminole Tribe of Florida
29. Jennina Rose Gorman/Katsistioasta , St. Reggis Mohawk Tribe
30. Jessica Lambert, Choctaw Nation
31. Jodi Byrd, Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma
32. Jodi Voice Yellowfish, Creek Nation
33. John Little, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
34. Johnnie Jae, Otoe-Missouria/Choctaw
35. Jordan Marie Daniel, Kul Wičasa Oyaté, federally known as the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
36. Joseph Clift, Cowlitz Indian Tribe
37. Jukari Davis, Navajo Nation
38. Julia Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians
39. Kaitlin Curtice, Potawatomi Nation
40. Kat Redding, Powhatan (Pamunkey) and Choctaw/Chickasaw
41. Kawennakenre Shirley Meloche, Mohawk of Kahnawake Canada
42. Keely Toledo, Navajo Nation
43. Kim TallBear, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
44. Krystal Tsosie, Diné (Navajo) Nation
45. Larissa Nez, Navajo Nation
46. Lindsey Naegeli, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma
47. Lucas Brown Eyes, Oglala Lakota
48. Madeline Fernandez, Delaware Tribe of Indians
49. Mahayla Perryman-Matthews, Seneca-Cayuga Nation
50. Mariah Greenwood Adair, Chickasaw Nation
51. Marla Striped Face-Collins, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
52. Martie Simmons, Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin
53. Mary Coyote, Delaware Tribe of Indians
54. Megan Red Shirt-Shaw, Oglala Lakota
55. Michelle Cook, Navajo Nation
56. Natalie Diaz, Gila River (Akimel O’odham)
57. Nicholas Galanin, Tlingit/Unangax̂
58. Nick Courtney, Makah
59. Nick Estes, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
60. Renee’ Frerichs, Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska
61. Sandy Grande, Quechua
62. Shannon Speed, Chickasaw Nation
63. Sheldon Beach, Chickasaw Nation
64. Dr. Sophia Marjanovic, Fort Peck Ogala Lakota/Santa Ysabel Ipai
65. Summer Wesley, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
66. Tanaya Winder, Duckwater Shoshone
67. Tara Moses, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
68. Taté Walker, Mniconjou Lakota & citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
69. Tiffany Midge, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
70. Trudie Jackson, Navajo Nation
71. Twyla Baker, Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation)
72. Valerie Lambert, Choctaw Nation
73. Virginia Mouse, Osage/Quapaw
74. 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

“Constitution of the Cherokee Nation formed by a convention of delegates from the several districts at New Echota, July 1827.” Newberry Library, Chicago. VAULT Ayer 251 .C211 1828.