Real Cherokee Indians are taking a stance against fake Indians. The Eastern Band’s tribal council recently passed a resolution committing themselves to “combat” the identify theft.
The resolution also established the Cherokee Identity Protection Committee, which will continue to speak out against these groups.
Faux tribes include people who truly believe they are Cherokee but cannot prove their native lineage. Occasionally, groups purport false Cherokee heritage to get government benefits or as a marketing gimmick for arts and crafts.