Author with $249K book deal claims she’s Choctaw-Cherokee — Native American group alleges otherwise
Author Accused of Cultural Appropriation Sparks Controversy
Seattle author Colby Wilkens, who identifies as Native American, faces backlash after a research group claims she has no real ties to any Indigenous tribe. With her debut novel about Indigenous characters and hefty book deal, the authenticity of her identity is under scrutiny.
Tribal Alliance Against Frauds Exposes Genealogy Errors
The Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (TAAF) conducted an extensive investigation into Wilkens' ancestry, concluding that her claims stem from confusion around common names in historical records—calling out the importance of accurate heritage representation.
Cultural Identity: A Serious Responsibility for Writers
TAAF emphasizes that falsely claiming Native ancestry not only misleads audiences but also drowns out genuine Indigenous voices in literature. The conversation around cultural representation is more crucial than ever.
Online Backlash: Social Media Reacts Strongly
As the news spreads, social media is lit with reactions, highlighting the need for honesty in storytelling—especially when it involves cultural identities that are often marginalized.
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