The Lone Faker & Tonto

Tonto, the fictionalized longtime companion of the Lone Ranger, referred to his masked partner as “Kemosabe” which means “trusted friend.”

In the case of a Californian college professor it appears fictional Indians can be found in academia as well as books. In her case she can’t be trusted, and her friends are deserting her.

Elizabeth Hoover is a UC Berkley professor who is an expert in environmental health and food justice in Native American communities. She has claimed to be a Native American throughout her career, but she isn’t Native American.