Buffy Sainte-Marie, the celebrated singer-songwriter and social activist, has recently returned her Order of Canada medals, stating she did so "with a good heart." The move follows significant controversy surrounding her identity and allegations questioning the authenticity of her Indigenous heritage. At 84 years old, the artist reaffirmed her American citizenship and the circumstances of her youth, which includes being adopted by a Cree family in Saskatchewan.
Her first formal comments after being stripped of the prestigious honor—Canada's highest civilian award—in January 2025 were made on March 4, 2025. Sainte-Marie clarified her stance, insisting she has always been open about her identity, saying she "made it completely clear" to officials, including former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, when she was invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth II back in 1977.
"It was very lovely to host the medals for awhile, but I return them with a good heart," she expressed, adding her continued affection for Canada and gratitude for the opportunities she has had throughout her career.
Sainte-Marie's situation gained mainstream attention after the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) investigative show, "Fifth Estate," raised doubts about her claims of Indigenous heritage. The report, which aired on October 27, 2023, revealed documentation indicating she was born Beverly Jean Santamaria in 1941, with her birth certificate listing her birthplace as Massachusetts and her race as "white." This piece has since garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube, stirring discussions on social media and within various Canadian institutions.
Following the conclusion of the CBC report, Sainte-Marie faced not only the loss of her Order of Canada but also the termination of other accolades. Two jubilee medals, awarded to her for contributions to Canadian society, were rescinded by Rideau Hall, with no specific reasons provided for their cancellation. It was confirmed, along with her Order of Canada status, on January 3, 2025. Organizations where she had received recognition—such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights—are now debating how to handle her past honors.
Despite the scrutiny, Sainte-Marie has maintained her stance, emphasizing her lifelong efforts to advocate for Indigenous rights. Her statement highlighted the emotional turmoil surrounding the questions of her identity. "I’ve lived with uncertainty about my parentage and have investigated the possibility I may have been born in Canada, though I still don't know," she said. This admission reflects her complex relationship with identity amid public speculation.
Reflecting on her career, she has built her reputation as both a talented musician and a prominent voice for social justice. Sainte-Marie has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Up Where We Belong" and seven Juno Awards for her contributions to music and advocacy. Her song, "Universal Soldier," is iconic as it stands the test of time as an anti-war anthem deeply rooted in her beliefs.
While she has repeatedly referred to herself as First Nations and believes she was adopted by Cree parents, Sainte-Marie acknowledges the discord stemming from contrasting accounts. Reportedly, some American relatives have stated she was never adopted and do not have Indigenous ancestry. She firmly addresses this by commenting, "They didn’t interview anybody who knew me or my growing-up mother but instead constructed a false narrative and then asked people to comment on it." Such statements are her way of attempting to challenge any misrepresentation.
At this time, conversations are prevalent among Canadian institutions about the future handling of the accolades bestowed upon her. The head of the Junos, Allan Reid, noted his organization is reexamining her five music awards amid the controversy. Institutions like the University of Toronto are also facing petitions to re-evaluate honorary degrees and recognition. With her 2015 album “Power in the Blood” even winning the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, many are contemplating what the ramifications of these allegations hold for her legacy.
Yet, Sainte-Marie continues to express gratitude for her Canadian experience, stating, "People in Canada have been so nice to me, particularly the arts community, and I’ve been so honored by this acceptance. I have truly felt 'adopted' by Canada..." Nonetheless, she acknowledges, "I can see today not everybody in Canada sees it the same way."
This public narrative surrounding her identity and connection to her heritage has prompted mixed reactions. Some Canadians now feel inclined to reject her contributions due to these allegations, creating rifts within the communities she has sought to support. This situation remains pivotal not just to her life but to the broader discussions on identity, representation, and acceptance of Indigenous voices.
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s artistry has always been intertwined with activism, and her story exemplifies the complex nature of heritage claims amid intense scrutiny. Despite this troubling chapter, her rich legacy as a gifted musician and advocate remains undeniable.