FAQ: NPR and Defamatory Coverage of Investigation of Pretendianism
For media and the public: a cautionary tale of how NOT to cover Native America during Native American Heritage Month
What is the main issue raised in 'When NPR Attacks a Native Woman During Native American Heritage Month'?
Jacqueline Keeler, a Native American journalist, criticizes NPR's 'Code Switch' for rebroadcasting a Canadaland podcast episode titled "Pretendian Hunters," which she believes unfairly portrays her and perpetuates misinformation about an individual named Kiros Auld's claimed Pamunkey heritage. Auld is not a legitimate member of the Pamunkey Tribe, and both Canadaland and NPR failed to conduct proper fact-checking.
Summary
My Substack on Saturday detailed NPR's Code Switch's irresponsible rebroadcast of a Canadaland episode falsely claiming I retracted my findings on a case of alleged Indigenous identity fraud. The core issue is Canadaland's and NPR's failure to properly vet the information, accepting unsubstantiated claims despite the Pamunkey Tribe chief's direct contradiction and my persistent requests for correction. This action damaged my professional reputation, especially egregious given the broadcast occurred during Native American Heritage Month. Indeed, this incident highlights the more significant problem of insufficient fact-checking and disregard for Indigenous voices in mainstream media coverage of Indigenous issues. Ultimately, this moment calls for accountability from NPR and a broader critique of media representation of Indigenous communities.
What is "Pretendianism," and why is it a concern?
"Pretendianism" refers to individuals falsely claiming Native American identity or tribal affiliation, often for personal gain.
This issue is a serious concern for Native American communities because it undermines tribal sovereignty, distorts accurate representation, and can lead to the misappropriation of resources and opportunities intended for legitimate tribal members.
What specific errors are there with the Canadaland and NPR podcasts?
There are two main errors:
Misrepresentation of Auld's Tribal Status: Both podcasts accept Auld's claim of being Pamunkey despite the Pamunkey Chief explicitly stating that Auld is not a member and the tribe does not recognize him as such.
False Claim of Retraction: The Canadaland podcast incorrectly states that I retracted my findings about Auld, which I never did.
Did Canadaland or NPR respond to the concerns raised by Chief Gray and myself?
Chief Gray, the leader of the Pamunkey Tribe, contacted Canadaland in June 2024 to point out the inaccuracies regarding Kiros Auld's claimed Pamunkey heritage. While the Canadaland editor initially acknowledged his email and promised to investigate, Chief Gray received no further response.
Similarly, I contacted both Canadaland and NPR requesting a correction and offered to provide evidence of Auld's lack of Pamunkey ancestry. However, as of the publication of this FAQ, neither organization responded or issued a correction.
Why is NPR's involvement particularly concerning?
Platform and Reputation: NPR is a major public broadcaster with a wide reach and reputation for journalistic integrity, lending credibility to the unverified claims in the podcast.
Lack of Due Diligence: NPR's Code Switch, which focuses on race and identity, should have conducted independent fact-checking, especially given the controversy surrounding "Pretendianism."
Timing: The rebroadcast aired during Native American Heritage Month is profoundly ironic and offensive, given the subject matter's potential harm to Native communities.
NPR’s standards for reporting.
What should NPR do to address the situation?
I call for NPR to retract the false statements in the podcast, apologize for the harm caused to my reputation, and provide me with a platform for a more accurate and nuanced discussion about "Pretendianism" and its impact on Native American communities.
How does this situation reflect broader concerns about the media's portrayal of Native American issues?
This incident highlights concerns about the media's frequent reliance on non-Native voices and perspectives when covering Indigenous issues, often leading to misrepresentation and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
What is the significance of the comparison to Rachel Dolezal?
There is a parallel between the acceptance of Auld's claims and the case of Rachel Dolezal, who was widely criticized for falsely claiming a Black identity. Claiming a Native American identity without legitimate ties is equally harmful and should be treated with the same seriousness.
Key Issues with the Reporting:
Failure to verify tribal affiliation: The podcast focused on Kiros Auld, whom I had identified as a "Pretendian,"someone falsely claiming Native American identity. NPR accepted Auld's claim of being Pamunkey without verifying with the tribe. Robert Gray, Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, confirmed to both Canadaland and NPR that Auld, his mother, and grandmother were not enrolled members and were not accepted as tribal citizens.
Ignoring evidence and requests for correction: Canadaland did not review any part of my investigation that Auld had no Pamunkey ancestry. Chief Gray also requested a retraction from Canadaland in June 2024 but received no further response after an initial acknowledgment. I have also requested a correction from NPR but am still awaiting a response.
Broadcasting harmful content during Native American Heritage Month: Why is NPR rebroadcasting this podcast during Native American Heritage Month, which amounts to an attack on one Native woman's professional reputation? The episode, rather than educating the public about Native American issues, chose to focus on protecting someone potentially engaged in ethnic fraud.
From the NPR Ethics Handbook
Impact on a Native Journalist's Reputation and Native American Representation
I believe NPR's actions damaged my reputation as an investigator of Pretendianism. One cannot get around the irony of NPR celebrating Native American Heritage Month while simultaneously undermining the work of a Native journalist exposing ethnic fraud. It is disappointing that NPR missed an opportunity to educate the public about important issues affecting Native Americans.
Chief Gray shares my concerns and expressed to me surprise that the podcast was offered for rebroadcast despite its known factual errors. He believes NPR owes me an apology and a retraction or correction.
A Breakdown of NPR Code Switch's Fact-Checking in the "Pretendian" Controversy
NPR Code Switch's fact-checking process was severely lacking, particularly in their rebroadcast of the Canadaland podcast "When Pretendian Investigations Go Wrong."
NPR did not contact the Pamunkey Tribe to verify Auld's claimed affiliation, despite this being a crucial part of the "Pretendian" debate.
They also did not contact me, the journalist who originally identified Auld as a "Pretendian," before rebroadcasting the episode. Had they done so, they would have been aware of the existing controversy and Chief Gray's previous communication with Canadaland.
Given their platform and stated mission, NPR's lack of due diligence is particularly concerning. As "one of their marquee shows," Code Switch is supposed to engage in "fearless conversations about race" with "empathy and humor."
Instead, their handling of this issue suggests a lack of both empathy and journalistic rigor, especially as the rebroadcast occurred during Native American Heritage Month.
There were missed opportunities for 'Code Switch' to engage in meaningful dialogue about Native American issues.It is disappointing that instead of educating the public, the show chose to focus on a narrative that potentially protected someone engaged in ethnic fraud. 'Code Switch' could have used the opportunity to discuss her work and the broader issue of "Pretendianism" fairly and accurately.
The lack of response from NPR to my own and Chief Gray's requests for correction further amplifies the concerns about their fact-checking process. It suggests a disregard for accountability and a reluctance to address the harm caused by their reporting.
The Pamunkey Tribe's Stance on Kiros Auld's Claim
The Pamunkey Tribe unequivocally rejects Kiros Auld's claim to membership. Chief Robert Gray clearly articulates this stance in his communications with Canadaland and NPR.
Chief Gray asserts that Auld is not an enrolled citizen of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and they do not accept him as a tribal citizen.
This refutation extends to Auld's mother and grandmother, neither of whom is recognized by the Tribe as Pamunkey.
Chief Gray's statement is emphatic: "As the Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, I can say with absolute certainty that neither Kiros, his mother, nor his grandmother are enrolled citizens of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and the Tribe does not accept them as tribal citizens."
This information directly contradicts the claims made in the Canadaland podcast, which NPR subsequently rebroadcasted.
The podcast hosts had stated that Auld's mother and grandmother held tribal membership, suggesting his claim was legitimate. However, Chief Gray's statement, based on the tribe's official records and understanding of its membership, invalidates this assertion.
Furthermore, the sources highlight the Pamunkey Tribe's frustration with the lack of fact-checking and spreading misinformation about Auld's claim.
Chief Gray proactively contacted both Canadaland and NPR to correct the record. He provided accurate information about Auld's non-membership and requested a retraction or correction.
Despite these efforts, the misinformation persisted, further harming my reputation and undermining the tribe's authority to determine its own membership.
This episode underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the need to consult directly with tribes on matters concerning their membership and identity.
Canadaland's Role in the "Pretendian" Controversy
Canadaland played a significant role in initiating and perpetuating the controversy surrounding Kiros Auld's claimed Pamunkey identity. Their podcast, "Pretendian Hunters," became the source of misinformation that NPR's Code Switch later amplified.
Here's a breakdown of Canadaland's involvement and the issues identified in the sources:
Platforming Auld's Claim: Canadaland provided a platform for Auld to assert his Pamunkey identity without conducting adequate verification. They accepted Auld's statement that he was "embraced as Pamunkey by other Pamunkey people" without consulting the tribe or examining Keeler's research.
Insufficient Fact-Checking: The sources indicate that Canadaland's fact-checking process needed to be revised. In the podcast, they stated that Auld's mother and grandmother had tribal membership, a claim directly contradicted by Chief Gray. This suggests a failure to consult reliable sources, such as tribal records.
Ignoring Evidence and Correction Requests: Keeler states that she offered her research to Canadaland, demonstrating that Auld had no ties to the Pamunkey Tribe, but they did not engage with it. Chief Gray also formally requested a retraction in June 2024, outlining the factual errors in the podcast. Canadaland's editor-in-chief acknowledged the email but never followed up, effectively ignoring the Chief's concerns.
Misrepresenting Keeler's Position: The podcast incorrectly claimed that I had retracted my findings about Auld. The hosts also misrepresented the nature of the Alleged Pretendain list, despite interviews and articles I have written explaining it in detail. I have stated that this is untrue and requested a correction from Canadaland, which was ignored. This misrepresentation further damaged my credibility as an investigator of "Pretendianism."
Contributing to the Spread of Misinformation: By failing to correct the errors in their podcast, Canadaland allowed the misinformation about Auld's identity to circulate. This was compounded when NPR rebroadcasted the episode, further amplifying the inaccuracies and extending the harm to Keeler's reputation.
Chief Gray criticizes Canadaland for offering the podcast for rebroadcast despite knowing it contained factual errors. This decision suggests a disregard for the potential harm caused by spreading false information, especially given the sensitive nature of Indigenous identity.
Canadaland's actions in this controversy raise concerns about its journalistic practices, particularly its commitment to accuracy and accountability. Its failure to adequately fact-check and respond to correction requests contributed to the spread of harmful misinformation and exacerbated the controversy.
Glossary of Key Terms
Pretendian: An individual who falsely claims Native American identity, often for personal gain (access to scholarships, grants, employment opportunities, etc.).
Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and determine their ownmembership criteria.
Federally Recognized Tribe: A Native American tribe that has a government-to-government relationship with the United States and is recognized as a sovereign nation.
Enrollment: The official process by which an individual becomes a recognized member of a Native American tribe.
Genealogy: The study of family history and lineage, often used to trace ancestry and establish tribal affiliation.
Timeline of Events:
June 2024:
Early June: Canadaland podcast "Pretendian Hunters" airs, featuring Jacqueline Keeler discussing a separate case and later focusing on Kiros Auld's claims of Pamunkey heritage. Hosts Robert Jago and Angel Ellis accept Auld's claim.
June 11, 2024: Chief Robert Gray emails Karyn Pugliese, Canadaland editor-in-chief, stating Kiros Auld, his mother, and grandmother are not enrolled in the Pamunkey Tribe and are not accepted as members. He requests a retraction.
June 2024: Karyn Pugliese responds to Chief Gray, promising to look into the matter and get back to him.
September 2024:
Chief Gray sends a follow-up email to Karyn Pugliese after three months of no response, reiterating his concerns and requesting acknowledgment of their error.
November 2024:
November 20, 2024: NPR's Code Switch rebroadcasts the Canadaland episode, retitled "When Pretendian Investigations Go Wrong," without fact-checking or contacting Keeler or the Pamunkey Tribe.
November 20, 2024 (Later): Chief Gray emails NPR, outlining the factual errors and demanding an apology to Keeler and a retraction or correction.
November 21, 2024: Courtney Stein, Code Switch supervising editor, contacts Chief Gray but does not indicate what action will be taken by NPR.
November 2024 (Ongoing): Keeler submits correction requests to various NPR contacts, including the Standards and Practices editor, the Public Editor, and 'Code Switch' staff. She receives no response.
Key Figures:
Jacqueline Keeler:
Bio: A Native American journalist and citizen of the Navajo Nation. Her father is a Yankton Sioux Tribal member. Keeler investigates cases of "Pretendianism," individuals falsely claiming Native American heritage. She was interviewed for the Canadaland podcast but not about Kiros Auld. Her research on Auld was ignored, and the podcast's claims damaged her reputation.
Kiros Auld:
Bio: The subject of the podcast controversy. He claims to be Pamunkey but is not an enrolled member and is not accepted as such by the tribe. The podcast hosts accepted his claims without proper investigation.
Robert Gray:
Bio: Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe. Contacted Canadaland and NPR to inform them of the factual errors regarding Kiros Auld's claimed Pamunkey heritage. Advocate for accurate reporting and accountability from media outlets.
Karyn Pugliese:
Bio: Editor-in-chief of Canadaland and a First Nations journalist. Received emails from Chief Gray about the inaccuracies in the podcast but failed to take action or respond to his follow-up.
Robert Jago and Angel Ellis:
Bio: Hosts of the Canadaland "Pretendian Hunters" podcast. Accepted Kiros Auld's claims without proper investigation, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
Courtney Stein:
Bio: Supervising editor of NPR's Code Switch. Contacted Chief Gray after the rebroadcast but did not commit to addressing the fact-checking failures.
NPR Code Switch Staff (B.A. Parker, Jess Kung):
Bio: Staff members involved in the rebroadcast of the problematic Canadaland episode. Failed to fact-check or contact relevant parties, contributing to the dissemination of inaccurate information and damage to Keeler's reputation.
Briefing Doc: "When NPR Attacks a Native Woman During Native American Heritage Month" by Jacqueline Keeler
Main Theme: This article exposes a concerning lack of journalistic integrity and due diligence by Canadaland and NPR in their handling of accusations of "Pretendianism" against Kiros Auld, an individual claiming Pamunkey heritage.
Quotes:
Regarding Auld's claims: "When he says, 'I'm embraced as Pamunkey by other Pamunkey people.' One of the hosts responds with, 'Good enough for me.' And then away they go with the premise of the show."
Criticizing the lack of research: "They did not engage in my research or even ask to see it."
Chief Gray's statement to NPR: "I never heard back from Karyn. Because Canadaland refused to correct their error, allowed NPR to use their podcast, and NPR conducted zero research to verify the claims made in the podcast, Jacqueline Keeler's reputation is further harmed beside the damage from the original Canadaland podcast."
Highlighting the hypocrisy: "It's extraordinary that an NPR show that is supposed to handle these conversations around race... to honor Native Americans Heritage Month would be focused on protecting someone engaged in ethnic fraud."
Further Points:
My defamation by NPR 'Code Switch' exemplifies the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals and communities when their voices and concerns are ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media.
It underlines the importance of rigorous fact-checking, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like identity and cultural belonging.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential harm of unchecked narratives and the responsibility of media outlets to uphold ethical journalistic practices.