What are Pretendians? | NDN POV | TVO Today

Summary

The video discusses 'Pretendians,' or individuals who falsely claim Indigenous identity for personal gain. These false claims, often based on tenuous ancestral connections, harm actual Indigenous communities by taking away opportunities, grants, and jobs meant for Indigenous people. The video highlights the complexities of proving Indigenous identity and emphasizes how identity appropriation is a continuation of colonialism. It calls for focusing on why settlers continue to appropriate Indigenous culture and identities, instead of scrutinizing Indigenous people themselves.

Takeaways

• 😲 'Pretendians' are individuals falsely claiming Indigenous identity, exploiting benefits meant for Indigenous people.
• 😡 Pretendians are seen as engaging in identity theft and cultural appropriation, which many consider more dangerous than simply 'pretending.'
• 🎓 These false claims can lead to tangible benefits, such as scholarships, jobs, and roles in media, often without any verification of Indigenous identity.
• 🚨 The frequency of false claims has increased, especially as Indigenous identity becomes associated with opportunities in Canada.
• 💔 Pretendians exploit space, opportunities, and resources meant for real Indigenous communities, perpetuating harm.
• 😕 Some false claims may stem from family myths or unchecked stories, but the harm remains significant, even if not initially malicious.
• 🔍 Pretendians shouldn't be confused with those genuinely trying to reconnect with lost Indigenous roots due to colonialism and cultural genocide.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 The script questions why people emphasize distant, possibly Indigenous ancestors while ignoring their predominantly European lineage and privileges.
• ⚖️ Indigenous sovereignty includes the right to determine their own people, making the verification of Indigenous identity a complex but crucial matter.
• 📢 There’s a growing number of nationwide scandals exposing Pretendians, with Indigenous voices calling for more thoughtful dialogue around this issue.

Q & A

What is the term 'Pretendian' used to describe?

'Pretendian' refers to someone who falsely claims to be Indigenous without having any meaningful proof of their identity.

Why do some people criticize the term 'Pretendian' as being too gentle?

Some argue that 'Pretendian' is too gentle because it downplays the seriousness of the act, which involves stealing identity and cultural appropriation, and causes real harm to Indigenous communities.

Why has the phenomenon of Pretendians increased in recent years, according to the script?

The increase in Pretendians is attributed to the benefits of claiming Indigenous identity, such as access to jobs, scholarships, grants, and roles in television or film. These incentives have led to more people falsely claiming to be Indigenous.

What does the script suggest about the impact of Pretendians on Indigenous communities?

Pretendians exploit opportunities meant for Indigenous people, taking jobs, grants, and recognition that are meant to uplift actual Indigenous communities. This is seen as a form of colonial violence.

How do unchecked family lore and wishful thinking contribute to Pretendianism?

False claims of Indigenous ancestry often stem from family stories passed down through generations, which people believe without verifying, leading to unintentional but still harmful claims.

What distinction does the script make between Pretendians and people reconnecting with Indigenous heritage?

The script emphasizes a difference between Pretendians, who falsely claim identity, and those genuinely reconnecting with Indigenous heritage, often after forced displacements or cultural genocide.

Why is it problematic to prioritize one distant Indigenous ancestor among many European ancestors?

Prioritizing a distant Indigenous ancestor over many generations of European ancestry allows people to disown their white privilege and claim Indigenous identity without having lived through the struggles faced by Indigenous people.

How does Pretendianism affect Indigenous peoples' ability to claim their identity?

Pretendianism forces real Indigenous people to feel like they must constantly prove their identity, making it harder for them to claim their rightful place in Indigenous communities.

What role does Indigenous sovereignty play in determining who is Indigenous?

Indigenous sovereignty allows Indigenous nations to determine who belongs to their community, based on their own criteria, which is key to maintaining their cultural and political autonomy.

Why does the script argue that Pretendianism is part of a larger colonial pattern?

Pretendianism is seen as a continuation of colonialism, where settlers not only took land but are now appropriating Indigenous identities, disrupting Indigenous governance and culture in the process.