Buffy Sainte-Marie Returns Honors Amid Ancestry Allegations

Buffy Sainte-Marie has returned her Order of Canada and Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards medallion amid allegations that she fabricated claims about her Indigenous ancestry. The musician, an American citizen adopted by a Cree family, stated that she never claimed to be Canadian and expressed gratitude despite the revocation of honors including her Juno Awards and Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction. A CBC investigation questioned her Indigenous heritage, but she denies any deceit about her identity. Other institutions like the Polaris Music Prize have rescinded her awards but will not seek the return of cash prizes. Sainte-Marie, an advocate for Native American rights, maintains she was transparent about her citizenship status with Canadian officials, including former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The situation underscores ongoing discussions around identity and recognition in Indigenous contexts.