Thread by @rebeccanagle

I am glad that @ewarren said she was sorry today for the the harm that she caused, but without her using her platform and power to repair that harm the apology falls flat. What does she need to do next? I'm gonna get specific... #THREAD

Warren has perpetuated misinformation about Cherokee identity that directly undermines tribal sovereignty. Her "apology" didnt set the record straight, bc most ppl still think she has a Cherokee ancestor, the DNA test proved it, and White ppl claiming to be Cherokee need no proof

Here is what she said today:

“I know I’ve made mistakes. I am sorry for the harm that I have caused. I have listened and I have learned a lot.”

Here's what she needs to say:

"I was told a story as a child that my family had a Cherokee ancestor. I now know that story is not true. I am not Native American, I am not "part Cherokee" and my family is not Cherokee. My family and I are White.

In October of 2018 I took a DNA test to try and prove that my family's story was true. The DNA test proved nothing, because only tribal affiliation and kinship prove Cherokee identity, not race or biology. Equating Cherokee identity with the results of a DNA test is wrong.

It was not only my fault, but my privilege to never question what my parents told me. Research on my genealogy going back over 150 years does not reveal a single Native ancestor. Like many people who grew up with such stories, mine was never true.

Native Nations are not relics of the past, but active, contemporary, and distinct political groups who are still fighting for recognition and sovereignty within the United States. Those of us who falsely claim Native identity undermine this fight.

I will continue to use my platform to support Native issues and policies. And I will continue to correct any stereotypes and misinformation about Native identity that I helped promote."

See the difference? One names and then addresses the harm caused and one, well, doesn't.