Controversy Surrounds Buffy Sainte-Marie's Indigenous Identity
A CBC documentary has raised questions about the Indigenous identity of singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, a prominent figure in Canadian music and activism. The investigation, which Sainte-Marie did not participate in, features interviews with family members disputing her claim of adoption and alleges sexual abuse. The controversy surrounding her identity has sparked discussions about appropriation and who gets to claim Indigeneity. Some Indigenous commentators argue that determining Indigenous identity through government records can be problematic, and emphasize the importance of Indigenous sovereignty in determining kinship and community membership. The investigation has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing pain for Indigenous communities and others questioning the motives behind the documentary.
