>> i should have been more mindful of the distinction with tribal citizenship and tribal sovereignty. >> reporter: why claim to be american indian in the first place? cherokee nation pointed to this recent op-ed by their secretary of state explaining, quote, every day people make claims of native heritage and cherokee ancestry across the country to take advantage of laws intended to level the playing field for indians. she said she didn't like to get ahead. >> nothing about my background ever had anything to do with any job i got. >> reporter: the president of the navajo nation says she appears eager to be an advocate for american indians. >> it set the tone for what she wants to do, helping out indigenous people throughout the united states. >> reporter: this >> this races about issues and i urge us to look at the issues. >> reporter: in the last week is with worn has offered apologies to the cherokee nation and