General Discussion

Cody got where he was because studios simply would not hire Native actors at the time. he did misrepresent himself - but in so doing he was not taking parts away from people with the actual descent, as there were few to none at the time. And the dud gave back, big-time, he worked with and learned from numerous native communities, and put his wealth into helping them. he fostered and adopted native children, funded schools and hospitals, joined their causes. An the whole time, they knew he was an Italian dude. But for the most part, he was respected (or at least well-tolerated) because of how much he put in.

Dolezal on the other hand, appears to have knowingly been making efforts to step over and take advantage of people with her charade. She lied and lied and lied some more, purely for selfish gain. and the black community has, by and large, rejected her now that she's "out."

There are some similarities between the two people, but they cannot be equated at all.