The Governor General’s office has revoked singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada, citing questions raised about her Indigenous heritage. A report by CBC in 2023 claimed that a birth certificate showed she was born in Massachusetts and listed both her and parents as white.
Sainte-Marie, 83, denies the allegations and claims she has always identified as Indigenous. She said she will not respond to false allegations and has shared her story for decades. Her family members, including her younger sister, have also come to her defense, saying that her adoption by a Cree family is recognized as part of their culture.
Sainte-Marie’s Indigenous identity was central to her music and career, earning her numerous awards, including an Oscar, multiple Junos, and the Polaris Music Prize. The decision comes after she retired from performing in 2023 due to health reasons.
The revocation raises concerns about colonialism, racism, and the handling of Indigenous heritage issues. Sainte-Marie’s supporters argue that questioning her adoption is hurtful and ignorant, and that no one has the authority to challenge their sovereignty.
Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/11010578/buffy-sainte-marie-order-of-canada-stripped-indigenous-ancestry