Indigenous authenticity has been a prominent discussion topic in our English 353 class. We have spent time reflecting on how White culture decided that Indigenous peoples' identity was based on their physical appearance and cultural actions. White people created this idea of the "authentic Indian" and if an Indigenous person did not fit this description, then they would not be recognized as being a "real Indian". This idea of the "authentic Indian" is discussed as if it is history, like it is not an issue that Indigenous peoples have to deal with anymore. However, after coming across the article UBCIC backs Turpel - Lafond after investigation questions her Indigenous heritage by Jane Skrpnek, it's clear that this issue of authenticity is still occurring today. The article tells how the media is questioning Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond's Indigenous heritage because after digging into her past family history, they feel that there are some discrepancies. The media states that because she did not grow up on a reserve or have strong ties to her Cree heritage she might not be deserving of her Indigenous identity.
Reading this article reminded me of Tommy Orange's book There There where he discusses the issues that the "urban Indian" is dealing with. He states how Indigenous peoples are becoming more contemporary and city life is what is familiar to them. However, not living on a reservation or dressing to look like the "authentic Indian" does not mean they are not Indigenous. An indigenous person's identity comes from their beliefs and from the traditions that exist in their minds not from their appearance. Thus, the media or other non-Indigenous people do not have the right to determine whether an Indigenous person is deserving of their title. Being seen as Indigenous is not determined by a set of characteristics or physical traits and White culture needs to realize and accept this fact.
Work Cited:
https://www.castlegarnews.com/news/ubcic-backs-turpel-lafond-after-investigation-questions-her-indigenous-heritage/
Orange, T. There There. Alfred A. Knopf, 2018.