Author J.K. Rowling is publishing new works about Magic In North America. Image from Pottermore

J.K. Rowling, the author of the popular Harry Potter series of books and films, published a new story on Tuesday that describes a "Native American magic" tradition.

The story is short and fictional but it's drawn questions from tribal members who point out that Native Americans are real people. Rowling is also facing criticism because she talks about a "skin walker," a term used among the Navajo Nation.

"You can't just claim and take a living tradition of a marginalized people. That's straight up colonialism/appropriation," Adrienne Keene, a member of the Cherokee Nation who runs Native Appropriations, wrote on Twitter.

Rowling, who is a British citizen, has not responded directly to questions about her use of Native imagery. She previously hinted that the film adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them might be based on a tribe in the United States.

Get the Story:
J.K. Rowling's story of wizarding in North America angers some Native Americans (The Los Angeles Times 3/9)
J.K. Rowling borrowed a Navajo legend for her new story. Is that okay? (Tee Washington Post 3/9)
J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world expanded in America (The Washington Post 3/8)

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Harry Potter author hints of Native American angle in new film (6/10)