The Controversy Surrounding Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Identity and Ancestry

CBC reported in October that it discovered the birth certificate of Buffy Sainte-Marie, which states that she was born in 1941 in Massachusetts. The document indicates that both the baby and her parents were white, and it includes the signature of the attending physician. This information is supported by Sainte-Marie’s marriage certificate, a life insurance policy, and the United States census. Family members in the U.S., including her younger sister, also confirmed to CBC that Sainte-Marie was not adopted and does not have Indigenous ancestry.

In response to these findings, Sainte-Marie stated that she will not dignify every false allegation with a response. However, she acknowledged that it was common for birth certificates to be fabricated when Indigenous children were adopted or taken from their families. She explained that she had used a birth certificate throughout her life, which was the only document she had, but she was uncertain if it was genuine. Sainte-Marie expressed that she has heard from numerous people with similar stories who feel victimized by these allegations, emphasizing that her life cannot be reduced to a piece of paper.

CBC obtained a letter from 1975 that Sainte-Marie and her lawyers sent to her brother, in which she threatened to reveal allegations of abuse if he tried to harm her. Sainte-Marie claimed that her estranged family, whom she does not know, perpetuated a fabricated story created by her alleged childhood abuser. She also stated that she possesses evidence, such as childhood diaries, that substantiate the abuse. Sainte-Marie found the situation deeply retraumatizing and unfair to all involved.

CBC reached out to Sainte-Marie, her counsel, and publicist multiple times before publishing their report, but she declined to comment. CBC also extensively quoted from Sainte-Marie’s public comments and biographies in their report, representing her voice to the best of their ability despite her unwillingness to speak with them.

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Indigenous heritage has been a significant part of her identity throughout her career. She has used her platform to bring attention to Indigenous issues, winning awards and accolades for her contributions. However, there have been calls to rescind some of the awards she has received following the CBC report. Despite the controversy, a documentary about Sainte-Marie’s life and career recently won an International Emmy Award.

Sainte-Marie expressed gratitude to the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the recognition, stating that the Emmy is a testament to the team that worked on her life story. She acknowledged the attack on her character, life, and legacy and emphasized the importance of rain and sunshine in creating a rainbow. Sainte-Marie’s story has evolved over the years, with conflicting narratives about her adoption and identity. She has always struggled to answer questions about her heritage and has come to accept that she may never know the full truth. The Canadian Press first published this report on November 23, 2023.