Remedy for the Misclassified People of North America: A Petition for Truth, Identity, and Justice

In the heart of Washington D.C., a powerful grassroots movement is rising—a unified demand for federal recognition, historic truth, and the right to self-identify. The petition titled “Remedy for the Misclassified People of North America” has gained serious momentum, surpassing 10,000 signatures and drawing endorsements from high-profile figures like NBA superstar Kyrie Irving (Chief Hela), veteran Hollywood actor Hawthorne James, and former Congresswoman Dr. Cynthia McKinney. What began as a passionate effort to correct historical injustices has now become a coordinated campaign with the potential to influence legislation.

The Purpose of the Petition

At its core, the petition calls for the restoration of identity for millions of people in North America—primarily Black and Indigenous descendants—who have been systematically misclassified through federal, state, and local policies that erased their tribal, ethnic, and national origins. These misclassifications began during colonization and were cemented by discriminatory laws like the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, which redefined Indigenous people as "Negro," "Colored," or "Black," thereby stripping them of treaty rights, land claims, and cultural identity.

The petition seeks:

• Federal recognition of misclassification as a human rights violation

• Legislation to open sealed tribal rolls and birth records

• Restoration of national and tribal identities erased through legal manipulation

• A national commission to investigate racial reclassification policies

• Protection of Urban Indians and non-federally recognized Indigenous people

This isn’t just about checking a different box on a census form—it’s about reclaiming erased identities and honoring ancestral truth.

High-Profile Endorsements: A Catalyst for Visibility

The movement has garnered attention not just because of its historical basis, but because of the courage and clarity of its supporters:

🏀 Kyrie Irving (Chief Hela)

Known for his activism, philanthropy, and deep Indigenous heritage, Kyrie has consistently used his platform to support causes aligned with identity, truth, and sovereignty. As “Chief Hela,” Kyrie has become a cultural bridge, advocating for the spiritual and legal recognition of the descendants of North America's original peoples—especially those who have been erased from federal records through misclassification.

🎬 Hawthorne James

The iconic actor, best known for his commanding performance in The Five Heartbeats, is lending his voice to uncovering the hidden history of Indigenous peoples in America. James is of Cherokee lineage and has been vocal about the colonial systems that redefined his people’s heritage, saying that the issue of misclassification does indeed need to be addressed.

🏛 Dr. Cynthia McKinney

A former six-term U.S. Congresswoman and truth-teller, Dr. McKinney is no stranger to challenging the status quo. Her endorsement of the petition adds powerful political weight and a framework for legislative action.

Why This Matters Now

America is undergoing a long-overdue reckoning with its past. Yet the misclassification of Indigenous people is still a largely ignored dimension of historical injustice.

Despite their heritage, many Black Americans with tribal roots have been excluded from federal tribal rolls, land restitution claims, and cultural protections. Urban Indians and those from Eastern or Southern tribes—many of which were never federally recognized—face ongoing marginalization. The federal recognition system is flawed, often ignoring community continuity and cultural integrity in favor of outdated colonial definitions.

Additionally, the erasure of Indigenous identity through the census, church registries, and public school records created a false narrative that has not only harmed generations of families but also distorted the very foundation of American history.

Some of the Legislative Goals Moving Forward

The petition’s organizers, including grassroots Indigenous genealogists, cultural leaders, and legal scholars, are now preparing a formal submission to Congress, seeking the creation of:

1. The Misclassified Peoples Rights Act – A proposed bill that would fund reparative services for affected communities, and mandate review of birth, land, and tribal records.

2. The National Misclassification Commission – A bipartisan investigative body to document cases of identity erasure and misclassification from the 17th century to present.

3. Urban Indian Protection Expansion – Ensuring protections and rights for Indigenous people in cities, not just those tied to reservations or federal trust lands.

Tribal Sovereignty Reform – Pressuring the BIA to review tribal recognition processes that exclude communities based on artificial and historically racist criteria.

The Cultural and Spiritual Awakening

The petition is more than legalese—it is a spiritual and cultural revival. For many who have always known their ancestors were Indigenous, it affirms what the official documents tried to hide. It restores not just names and tribes, but dignity, heritage, and belonging.

Families who were once labeled “colored” in census records are now reuniting with their tribal nations, uncovering land patents, and learning the languages their grandparents were forced to forget. This process of remembrance and healing is as vital as any policy change.

How You Can Support

• Read and Sign the Petition

• https://www.change.org/p/remedy-for-the-misclassified-people-of-north-america 

• Share the Stories Use social media to share stories, documents, and oral histories from your family. Every voice matters.

• Contact Your Representatives Let Congress know this issue matters to you. Ask them to support legislative recognition of the petition's demands.

Join a Local Advocacy Circle

 Whether through a tribal history group, urban Indian center, or cultural preservation network—get involved.

The “Remedy for the Misclassified People of North America” petition is not a fringe issue. It is a vital correction to the American story—a bold and necessary declaration that identity cannot be legislated out of existence. With over 10,000 signatures and national attention from leaders in sports, cinema, and politics, the time for action is now.

The misclassified are not lost. They are reclaiming their names, their nations, and their narrative.

For media inquiries, interviews, or collaborations regarding the petition, contact Urban Indian Heritage Society 

https://urbanindianheritagesociety.org/ 

FIRST TRIBE