This article discusses the growing need for universities and organizations to implement more robust processes for validating claims to Indigeneity. The author shares their personal experience of being asked to provide proof of their Indigenous ancestry to take up a residency position at a university. It explores the issue of 'pretendians' and how the increasing urgency among First Nations and Indigenous organizations to regulate their own identity is leading to stricter requirements. The author cites examples like powwows adopting similar requirements for vendors and the scrutiny faced by individuals like Randy Boissonnault and Robert Beltran for their claims of Indigenous ancestry.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to have been asked to be the Indigenous writer in residence this spring for a prominent university.
After all, an abused system should be allowed to try to limit the abusing, and it seems the wild turkeys have finally come home to roost. So, I photocopied my status card and e-mailed it off to take my proper place at this site of higher learning, as I’m sure my ancient ancestors had been doing since time immemorial.
among First Nations and Indigenous organizations to regulate their/our own identity, as the issue of “pretendians” has been going on for years.of people who have, for one reason or another, wanted to dance the Indigenous dance without the proper regalia.
Identity Politics INDIGENOUS IDENTITY PRETENDIANS UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS POWWOWS CULTURAL APPRECIATION
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