Johnny Depp joins Comanche tribe

Actor Johnny Depp was made an honorary member of the Comanche tribe on May 16.

The tribe presented the actor with a proclamation at the Albuquerque home of tribal member LaDonna Harris.

She said that the tribal adoption system means that she now views the actor as her son. Harris said that she recalled Depp identifying himself as part-Native American in numerous interviews. Hence, she thought it would be nice to adopt him.

I had read about him and his Native American heritage so I said to my children around Mother's Day, 'Why don't we adopt him?'" Harris said.

Harris is the president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity.

The actor was given the Comanche name, "Mah Woo May," which means "shape shifter."

Depp, 48, is a native of Kentucky and has said in past interviews that he believed his great-grandmother may have been part Cherokee or Creek.

He is currently in New Mexico shooting The Lone Ranger, in which he plays the title characters Native American sidekick, Tonto. The title role is being played by Armie Hammer.

Harris contacted the actor via her cousin, who is a cultural advisor to the Ranger film.

The film is set for release in 2013.