Singer-activist Buffy Sainte-Marie has been stripped of her Order of Canada, the country’s most prestigious civilian honor. The decision was announced by Governor General Mary Simon on January 3, 2025, and comes after an investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Fifth Estate” show.
The show alleged that Sainte-Marie fabricated her Indigenous heritage, presenting a birth certificate showing she was born in Boston, Massachusetts, as white, and listing her birth name as Beverly Jean Santamaria. Sainte-Marie has long claimed to be of Cree descent, but an investigation by Piapot First Nation acting Chief Ira Lavallee revealed that her DNA results have not been publicly released.
The Canadian government’s decision to terminate Sainte-Marie’s appointment comes after a split in support among Canadians, with some dismissing the allegations and others condemning her for claiming Indigenous identity without proof. Major music bodies in Canada, including the Juno Awards and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, have not revoked her awards despite the controversy.
Sainte-Marie has denied the allegations, stating she is “proud of my Indigenous-American identity” and claims to have learned about her ancestry from her mother. The Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, which supports survivors of Canada’s forced adoption policies, has also stood by Sainte-Marie, calling her an ally and advocate for their cause.
The termination of Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada appointment is a rare occurrence, with only nine people having been stripped of the honor since its creation in 1967.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/singer-activist-buffy-sainte-marie-172606961.html