Buffy Sainte-Marie has returned her Order of Canada, stating she does so “with a good heart” while reaffirming that she never misrepresented her identity.
In her first statement since the honor was revoked, the acclaimed singer-songwriter clarified that she is an American citizen with a U.S. passport but was adopted as a young adult by a Cree family in Saskatchewan. She told The Canadian Press that she had always made it clear she was not Canadian, including to Rideau Hall and former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau when invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth in 1977.
Rideau Hall has not provided a reason for terminating her Order of Canada. According to the Governor General’s website, non-Canadians may receive the honor if their contributions have benefited or brought recognition to Canada. Sainte-Marie has also been removed from the “Human Rights Defenders” exhibit at Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
The controversy follows a CBC investigation that questioned her Indigenous heritage, citing a birth certificate indicating she was born in 1941 in Massachusetts. In her statement, Sainte-Marie expressed her “love and gratitude to Canada” and appreciation for the opportunity to contribute. “It was very lovely to host the medals for a while, but I return them with a good heart,” she said.
Canadian institutions that previously honored Sainte-Marie are now reconsidering their stance amid ongoing debate over her background. Sainte-Marie stated she has “lived with uncertainty” regarding her parentage and investigated whether she was born in Canada but remains unsure. U.S. relatives told CBC she was not adopted and has no Indigenous ancestry.
She criticized the CBC report, claiming it created a “false narrative” without interviewing key figures from her past. CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson responded, affirming the broadcaster stands by its reporting. Rideau Hall has not yet commented on the matter.
Despite the controversy, Sainte-Marie maintains her connection to her Cree family, saying, “They adopted me forever, and this will never change.” She added that she has felt embraced by Canada’s arts community and was honored by their acceptance, though she acknowledges not all Canadians share the same view.
Source: Swifteradio.com
