Community Conversation: Pretendianism and Fraud

DATE: Thursday, June 18th, 2026
TIME: 6:30pm – 7pm
LOCATION: AWE (401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor, ON), 3rd floor galleries

COST: FREE Admission

Accessibility: Accessibility and accommodation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please contact [email protected] for questions.

Pretendianism, the false claim of Indigenous identity, causes real harm to Indigenous communities by misrepresenting lived experiences, misallocating resources, and undermining cultural sovereignty. This conversation will look at how pretendianism shows up in different spaces, the impacts it has on communities, and why it persists. Together, we’ll reflect on the importance of listening to and uplifting Indigenous voices, and explore ways to support accountability, respect, and ethical engagement moving forward. We encourage thoughtful participation and respectful, curious questions throughout this conversation.

With speakers Elder Dr. Mona Stonefish, Jaime Kechego, and Donna Grayer.

Moderated by Julie Rae Tucker

Image Credit: Christian Chapman, Pretendian, 2022. Acrylic on canvas. Indigenous Art Collection, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Photography by Frank Piccolo.