Actually, his novels have troubled a number of indigenous critics for their perpetuation of racist stereotypes. The mainstream media ignored these, most likely because Boyden was considered indigenous and so they saw it as a quarrel within the culture. If he'd been perceived as White, they'd have had to address the concerns of the indigenous critics.

And he really hasn't "enlightened" White Canada to First Nations problems. Indeed, he's often contradicted leaders of the indigenous community. And, again, he was given a free pass by the mainstream media because he was considered one of those leaders and therefore entitled to a seat at the table.

I'd compare this scandal to that of James Frey's A Million Little Pieces. Anyone who knows anything about fiction knows the authenticity of voice is crucial. Picaresque novels have always been popular and most pretend to be true stories. Boyden's voice matters to how we perceive his fiction. If he's a con artist, what's he conned us into?