Berkeley Professor Admits False Indigenous Identity, Apologizes for Claiming Native Ancestry

Elizabeth Hoover, an anthropology professor at UC Berkeley, apologized for falsely identifying as Indigenous, admitting she is "a white person" who lived an identity based on family lore. Hoover's alleged Indigenous roots came into question in 2021 after her name appeared on an "Alleged Pretendian List." She acknowledged causing harm and hurting Native people who have been her friends, colleagues, students, and family, and said she could have prevented all of this hurt by investigating and confirming her family stories sooner. She is committed to engaging in the restorative justice process taking place on campus.