Identity’s nuances

Regarding “What it really means to be Native American” (Insight, Nov. 27): There are many people who identify as ethnically Native or Indigenous but are not eligible to enroll in a federally recognized tribe. This doesn’t take away their identity. It just means they do not have American Indian or Alaska Native political status.

Writer Jacqueline Keeler is conflating ethnic identity and heritage with political status to an audience that is not familiar with this nuance.

There is deep irony in Keeler using The Chronicle to talk up federal recognition when The Chronicle’s office sits on Ramaytush Ohlone land, a tribal community that exists but does not have federal recognition.

From Keeler’s logic, the Ohlone people are not considered “American Indian.” See how easily that can be conflated with there simply are no Ohlone people without this context?

Are pretendians real? Yes. Are they a problem? Most definitely. However, one person publicly determining others’ identities without context or meaningful community input is harmful and egotistical.

Summer Lewis, San Francisco