Tennessee Commission Declares Fake Tribes as Cherokee

One of the things I've said in Tennessee's favor is the fact that officials in Nashville had enough sense to not recognize tribes. They in some form or another have dealt with real Cherokee tribes and while not necessarily agreeing on courses of action, Tennessee respected Cherokee tribal sovereignty. That all changed when a group of self-serving individuals cloaked in secrecy, denying public comment, decided to recognize six groups, some claiming to be Cherokee, as tribes.
Now these phony baloney "tribes'" members can claim minority status. These groups can get housing funds, scholarships and other funding, taking it away from legitimate tribes who actually need it. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, one of three real Cherokee tribes, has filed suit in Tennessee challenging this act.
What I've read from these "tribes'" leaders is the same load of crap I've heard all over from the descendants of Cherokee princesses everywhere when they're challenged. "We hid our heritage to avoid persecution." The vast majority of these groups can easily pass as other races. While there are members of the legitimate tribes who can do the same, there are plenty of tribal members who couldn't "pass."
When I hear about those poor individuals who "hid" their ancestry I can only convey a sense of insult. These individuals didn't go through the boarding schools. They didn't experience discrimination, nor did they ever experience the caustic nature of tribal politics, nor do they carry the baggage that real natives carry, but we're supposed to recognize them as Indians.
Now I will concede that it's likely that many people who claim Native American ancestry will be truthful, but It's a huge leap from having the DNA to actually being part of the culture. I have Irish ancestry, but that doesn't make me an Irish citizen, and I don't claim to be one. I've watched groups like those Tennessee recognized for a number of years. What I've seen is them perpetuating stereotypes, alienating themselves from legitimate Cherokees and contributing nothing toward the betterment of life for Native Americans.
The real Cherokee tribes deserve better than this from a state that's home to and even reveres the most racist president the U.S. has ever had in Andrew Jackson. While I support little of Principal Chief Michell Hicks' agenda, his opposition to this recognition is one area in which I will stand behind him.