Sen. Elizabeth Warren responded to a group of Native American tribes that had urged her to disavow more pointedly her past claims about being of Native American descent.
The Massachusetts Democrat had for years alleged that she had Native American heritage. A DNA test she released in 2018 revealed “strong evidence” that she had a Native American ancestor six to 10 generations ago. The small percentage led to backlash from Native American groups that argued there are legal requirements for tribal citizenship.
While she has since apologized on numerous occasions, members of the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sent a letter to the senator last week calling on her to “fully address the harm” her claims caused. The letter also cited a Los Angeles Times report on how white members of fake “tribes” have been awarded over $800 million in no-bid federal contracts set aside for minority business owners.
Warren reiterated her apology in a responding letter this week, acknowledging that “my incorrect identification as Native was loaded given the history” and addressing the Los Angeles Times report. She also said that she is “focused on who’s gonna be the best for Native communities moving forward” and discussed her policy record when it comes to pertinent legislation.
The presidential candidate additionally touched on her campaign proposals to help Native Americans, which include creating a Cabinet-level White House Council on Native American Affairs, ensuring that Native Americans have full and equal access to American democracy — including the passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act — and investing in housing, infrastructure, and healthcare for those communities.
“As I said, I believe in accountability, but accountability is a methodology — not an ideology,” her letter concluded. “It means little to believe in it if we do not practice it, so I am grateful for your willingness to hold me accountable and for the opportunity to have had this courageous conversation. I know this kind of engagement only happens with people you expect more from, and I am grateful to be one of those people. Please continue to expect more from me, and I will continue to dedicate myself to living up to it.”
