I understand  concerns expressed re Indigenous status.  Canada has  status and non status indians, metis, inuit.  Numbers and counting of status indians  is rigidly controlled by  Indian  Affairs, in consultation with local Indian Bands and Reserve Offices. This is  because being a Status Indian does provide  rights to certain program entitlements  thru Indian Affairs., including ties and membership to a Band or Reserve, the right to financial assistance for post 2ndary education, health care, etc. Note- Status Indians receive far less benefits than most white folks in  government funds. . Non Status Indians, Metis, Inuit receive some public benefits, but are less well defined. Note- many Indian women and their offspring   lost their status by marrying  non status men, something that did not happen to Status men marrying non status women.

For  non status indians, self identification is allowed. That includes Mr. Boyden.  Questions, too, are OK  It doesnt change Boydens  manytalents.