Kiros Auld Falsely claims Pamunkey tribal membership

In the United States, Kiros Auld, a Native American activist, publicly claims lineage to the Pamunkey tribe, famously associated with Pocahontas. However, former tribe leader Robert Gray has stated that Auld is not an enrolled member of their group. This situation gained widespread attention last month when Auld appeared on a National Public Radio (NPR) program titled 'Code Switch', which addressed the controversial phenomenon of 'Pretendians' — individuals who Falsely assert Native American identity. Auld professed his ancestry from the Pamunkey, asserting that the allegations against him were unsubstantiated and highly damaging, as he faced harassment following a leaked list identifying him among suspected Pretendians. Gray shared insights on the tribe's strict regulations regarding membership, particularly after achieving federal recognition in 2016, which led to a more rigorous verification process. He emphasized the tribe's challenges from various individuals Falsely claiming descent from Pocahontas, noting that in the past, some incorrect memberships had been casually accepted. In Auld's case, Gray confirmed that he has no official affiliation with the Pamunkey, which is a small community of around 500 members located in King William County, Virginia. The heightened scrutiny surrounding claims of Native American identity has led to a significant backlash against people who are suspected of exaggerating or fabricating their connections to tribes. Keeler, the researcher behind the list of Pretendians which included Auld, has firmly stood by her investigations, insisting that they aim to uncover those profiting from misleading claims of Native American heritage. This contentious dynamic highlights the sensitivities surrounding tribal identity and the tragic consequences that often ensue when individuals misrepresent their heritage for personal gain. In light of these discussions, Auld criticized NPR for allowing what he perceives as an unjust portrayal of his identity and experiences. He reiterated the need for increased protection for real Native American voices amid the complex interplay of fact and fiction within discussions of indigenous ancestry. Auld's experience underscores the emotional toll that such public accusations can enforce, leading him to implement security measures for himself and his family to safeguard against harassment.