Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada Terminated
Buffy Sainte-Marie, a well-known musician and activist, has lost her Order of Canada. The Canadian government officially removed her name from the list of recipients. This news was posted online late Friday, stating that Governor General Mary Simon had made this decision in early January.
The announcement was signed by the secretary general of the Order of Canada, making it official. However, no reason was given in the statement for why her Order of Canada was canceled.
Why Was Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Honor Removed?
The government did not provide an official reason for the termination. However, an investigation by CBC News in 2023 raised questions about her Indigenous identity. The singer, now in her 80s, had long claimed to be of Cree heritage and was known for advocating Indigenous rights.
- The CBC report suggested doubts about her background.
- Sainte-Marie initially defended her identity but later removed references to her Cree heritage from her website.
- This led to calls from Indigenous communities and others to revoke her awards and honors.
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Achievements and Recognition
Over the years, Buffy Sainte-Marie received numerous awards and honors. She was first given the Order of Canada in 1997, one of the highest civilian honors in the country.
- She was recognized for her contributions to music and activism.
- In 2019, she was promoted within the Order of Canada.
- Her biography previously described her as being born on the Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan.
As of late Friday, all references to her being an Order of Canada recipient were removed from the Governor General of Canada’s website.
Public Reaction and Fallout
The decision to remove her Order of Canada has sparked reactions from different groups.
- Many Indigenous communities were shocked by the revelations about her background.
- Some called for her awards to be taken away after doubts about her identity surfaced.
- Others believe she should be recognized for her contributions to music and activism, regardless of her background.
On her website, she was still listed as an officer and companion of the Order of Canada, despite the termination. There has been no official response from Sainte-Marie’s representatives regarding the latest developments.
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Retirement and Future
In August 2023, Buffy Sainte-Marie announced that she would no longer perform live. This news came before the controversy surrounding her identity escalated.
- She has been a significant figure in music for decades.
- Her songs often focused on Indigenous rights and social issues.
- Despite the controversy, she remains an influential artist.
The removal of her Order of Canada raises questions about how past honors should be handled when new information comes to light. The impact of this decision on her legacy remains to be seen.
