THE IMPOSTER: A wolf in sheep’s clothing – betraying native heritage

What happens when someone claiming to be part of your community isn’t who they say they are? When they use culture as a mask, trust as a weapon, and deception as a means of control? Today, we’re confronting the historical cycle of submission, manipulation, and control—a cycle that predators exploit to their advantage. For generations, Indigenous communities have endured forced assimilation, systemic oppression, and silencing, conditioning many to submit to authority, to ignore red flags, and to stay silent in the face of abuse. But what happens when someone who claims to be a part of your community turns out to be a fraud? Lisa welcomes Chiffon Lark, an artist, advocate, and Indigenous woman who survived a calculated campaign of deception, coercion, and emotional abuse. What started as a promising connection quickly unraveled into something far more sinister. Chiffon was targeted by a man who fabricated his identity, infiltrated her community, and used trust as a weapon. From love bombing to gaslighting to financial control, his manipulation was relentless—but so was Chiffon’s resilience. This episode is about breaking free from cycles of submission, reclaiming power, and exposing imposters who hide behind culture, trust, and false promises. From now on… “I will execute my right to honor myself first so that I can honor my community.” Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of coercion, sexual assault, stalking, and predatory behavior.  Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself. About Chiffon Lark Chiffon Lark (b.1989) is a full time Artist/Illustrator in San Diego, CA. Her father is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe (b.1965 Texas) and her mother (b.1968 Arizona) is Mescalero Apache and Coahuiltecan descent.  She is an Indigenous advocate for environmental sovereignty for all Native People and Wildlife. Chiffon has worked with both non-indigenous and native-led organizations throughout the US that are dedicated to cultural conservation and climate preservation. Follow @chiffonlark on Instagram. To purchase and view her artwork, go to www.chiffonlark.com. To learn more about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, go to NativeHope.org and BIA.org. Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram. From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Have a story to share with us? Email us at [email protected]. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials. If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below: If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree). PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors. Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.