Podcast Summary: The Copernic Affair | Canadaland Investigates Episode: Indigenish
Release Date: June 18, 2024

Overview

In the episode titled "Indigenish," Canadaland's investigative team, led by journalists Dana Ballout and Alex Atack, delves deep into the contentious and sensitive issue of "Pretendians" in Canada—individuals who falsely claim Indigenous heritage. Through personal narratives, expert insights, and critical analysis, the episode explores the motivations behind such pretensions, the impact on genuine Indigenous communities, and the broader societal implications of identity fraud.

1. Introduction to Pretendians

The episode opens with hosts Robert Jago and Angel Ellis discussing the perplexing phenomenon of people pretending to be Indigenous. Robert expresses his confusion about why individuals go to such lengths to maintain a false identity, questioning whether these individuals genuinely believe in their fabricated heritage.

Robert Jago [00:12]: "It just seems like so much work, keeping up the act all the time."

Angel Ellis [00:23]: "Some of them are running money scams... trying to get cast in a movie or get out of jail early."

Key Points:

• Motivations Behind Pretendence: Financial gain, social perks, career advantages, or personal escapism.
• Self-Deception: Many Pretendians may unconsciously believe in their fabricated identity.

2. Challenges in Addressing Pretendence

Robert and Angel recount their attempts to interview high-profile Pretendians, such as Elizabeth Warren and Elizabeth Hoover. Despite genuine apologies from some, like Hoover, the hosts face resistance in engaging further with these individuals.

Elizabeth Hoover [02:05]: "I'm a white person who has incorrectly identified as Native my whole life... I am deeply sorry."

Key Points:

• Apologies and Accountability: Some Pretendians recognize their mistakes and apologize, yet suffer harassment and threats.
• Difficulty in Dialogue: High-profile individuals often decline further interviews, hindering deeper exploration of the issue.

3. Personal Stories of Discovery

The episode features testimonies from individuals who discovered through DNA testing that their Indigenous heritage was overstated or unfounded. Three primary narratives are highlighted:

• Jennifer (Pseudonym) [10:26]: Raised with stories of Indigenous ancestry in Montana, Jennifer discovers her DNA results show only about 2% Native American heritage. This revelation clashes with her upbringing, leading to a reevaluation of her identity amidst family trauma involving substance abuse and loss.

  Jennifer [13:05]: "I have learned more about my grandmother in her death than I ever knew alive."

• Ali (Pseudonym) [10:44]: Converts to Islam, changes his name, and grapples with his mixed heritage, questioning his true ancestral roots beyond superficial family claims.

  Ali [21:02]: "I've always been like a big white guy."

• Andrea (Pseudonym) [11:12]: Identifies as "native but detribalized," seeking connection with her supposed Yaqui and Pima ancestry despite lack of official tribal enrollment.

  Andrea [27:02]: "They stole our future generations."

Key Points:

• Impact of DNA Testing: Services like 23andMe and Ancestry.com reveal surprising or conflicting ancestry results.
• Family Lore vs. Genetic Reality: Discrepancies between family stories and genetic evidence lead to personal identity crises.
• Intergenerational Trauma: Many individuals navigate their newfound identities amidst family histories of trauma and discrimination.

4. The Broader Impact on Indigenous Communities

The hosts discuss how Pretendians threaten Indigenous sovereignty and the preservation of authentic cultural identities. The episode references a United Nations forum where Indigenous leaders voiced that Pretendians pose an existential threat to their nations.

Richard Abamshiwin [37:05]: "When everyone's an Indian, no one is in my nation... This must be stopped."

Key Points:

• Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Genuine Indigenous communities emphasize the importance of self-recognition and the dangers of external claims diluting their identities.
• Economic and Social Consequences: Inflated membership numbers can strain resources, reduce financial distributions, and undermine tribal governance.
• Cultural Appropriation and Theft: Pretendians often adopt Indigenous cultures superficially, disregarding the profound historical and cultural contexts.

5. Legislative and Media Responses

The episode highlights ongoing legislative efforts that may inadvertently legitimize Pretendians, such as a Canadian bill recognizing sovereign governments based on deceptive claims. Real Indigenous voices criticize such measures, advocating for stricter recognition protocols.

Angel Ellis [34:33]: "The very week that we launched the series, Pretendians became the number one issue for indigenous nations at the UN level."

Key Points:

• Policy Implications: Laws and policies need to balance self-identification with protecting Indigenous rights and identities.
• Media Responsibility: Media outlets, including Canadaland itself, acknowledge the importance of accurate representation and accountability in reporting on identity issues.

6. Constructive Approaches and Community Perspectives

Robert Jago shares insights from Robert Hall, a storyteller at Glacier National Park, who adopts a compassionate yet boundary-respecting stance towards individuals claiming Indigenous identity without proof.

Robert Hall [33:38]: "I just gave her a hug and I said, welcome home if you ever want to come back someday. We're here."

Key Points:

• Empathy vs. Enforcement: Balancing understanding of personal identity struggles with the need to uphold community integrity.
• Community-Led Recognition: Emphasizing that only Indigenous nations have the authority to recognize and enroll their members.

7. Concluding Reflections

The episode wraps up by stressing the importance of addressing Pretendian issues not just on an individual level but through systemic changes. It calls for broader awareness, respectful dialogue, and support for genuine Indigenous communities facing the detrimental effects of identity fraud.

Angel Ellis [32:23]: "The worst offenders are really dangerous to tribal sovereignty. And the regular folks trying to figure out their families have my sympathy."

Key Points:

• Urgent Call to Action: Indigenous communities and allies must advocate for policies and practices that prevent identity fraud.
• Support for Genuine Individuals: Providing resources and support for those navigating complex identities without harming authentic Indigenous identities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Robert Jago [00:12]: "It just seems like so much work, keeping up the act all the time."
• Elizabeth Hoover [02:05]: "I am deeply sorry."
• Jennifer [10:26]: "I have learned more about my grandmother in her death than I ever knew alive."
• Richard Abamshiwin [37:05]: "This must be stopped."
• Angel Ellis [32:23]: "The worst offenders are really dangerous to tribal sovereignty."

Conclusion

"Indigenish" provides a comprehensive exploration of the Pretendian phenomenon, blending personal narratives with critical analysis to shed light on a complex issue affecting Indigenous communities in Canada. By amplifying authentic voices and examining the multifaceted motivations behind identity fraud, Canadaland invites listeners to engage thoughtfully with the challenges of cultural identity and sovereignty in a modern context.

Additional Information

• Hosts:

  • Robert Jago: Freelance writer from the Kwantlen First Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe.
  • Angel Ellis: Citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, experienced journalist.

• Production Team:

  • Executive Producer and Editor: Jesse Brown
  • Additional Production: Caleb Thompson
  • Contributing Editor: Julie Shapiro
  • Editor-in-Chief: Karen Pulesi
  • Special Thanks: Rebecca Lassard, editor of the documentary Red Fever.

For more in-depth stories and investigative journalism, listeners are encouraged to support Canadaland through their website canadaland.com/join.