Buffy Sainte-Marie Returns Order of Canada, Denies Misrepresenting Identity

Buffy Sainte-Marie Returns Order of Canada Amid Heritage Controversy

Renowned singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie has returned her Order of Canada, stating that she does so “with a good heart.” She maintains that she has never misrepresented her identity and reaffirms her status as an American citizen.

In a statement to The Canadian Press, Sainte-Marie clarified that she holds a U.S. passport and was born in the United States. However, she emphasized that she was adopted as a young adult by a Cree family in Saskatchewan, a relationship that remains deeply meaningful to her.

Sainte-Marie further stated that she had never concealed her American citizenship from Canadian officials. She claimed to have made this clear to Rideau Hall and to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau when he invited her to perform for Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.

Order of Canada Revoked

Rideau Hall has not publicly disclosed the specific reason for stripping Sainte-Marie of her Order of Canada earlier this year. According to the Governor General’s website, non-Canadians are eligible for the honor if their contributions have brought significant benefit or recognition to Canada.

Additionally, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg has removed Sainte-Marie from its exhibit on “human rights defenders,” further distancing itself from the singer-songwriter amid the controversy.

Questions Surrounding Her Indigenous Heritage

The situation escalated following a CBC investigation published in 2023, which questioned Sainte-Marie’s claims of Indigenous ancestry. The report revealed a birth certificate from 1941 indicating she was born in Massachusetts to American parents. Family members in the U.S. have stated that she was not adopted and does not have Indigenous heritage.

In response, Sainte-Marie defended herself, arguing that the CBC report relied on information from individuals who did not personally know her or her mother. She criticized the investigation for constructing a “false narrative” and presenting it as fact.

CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson has stated that the broadcaster stands by its reporting.

Sainte-Marie’s Connection to Canada and Cree Community

Despite the controversy, Sainte-Marie remains steadfast in her connection to her Cree family, stating that their adoption of her is permanent and will never change.

“I have truly felt ‘adopted’ by Canada,” she said, acknowledging the support she has received from the country’s arts community. However, she also noted that not everyone in Canada views her in the same way.

While returning the Order of Canada, Sainte-Marie expressed gratitude for the recognition she has received throughout her career.

“It was very lovely to host the medals for a while, but I return them with a good heart,” she concluded.

As Canadian institutions continue to assess their recognition of Sainte-Marie, the debate over her heritage and legacy remains ongoing.