Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada terminated by Governor General

Buffy Sainte-Marie, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter, has recently been stripped of her Order of Canada appointment, marking a significant moment in the history of the prestigious honor. This decision comes after nearly three decades since she was initially appointed in 1997.

The termination of Sainte-Marie’s appointment was officially confirmed by Governor General Mary Simon on January 3, as reported in the federal government’s official publication. This move puts Sainte-Marie in a rare category, as only eight individuals have ever been expelled from the Order of Canada in its more than 50-year existence.

The controversy surrounding Sainte-Marie’s Indigenous heritage first surfaced in a 2023 investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate. The report revealed inconsistencies between Sainte-Marie’s claims of Indigenous ancestry and publicly available documents, such as her birth certificate, which states she was born in 1941 in Massachusetts to white parents.

In response to the investigation, Sainte-Marie vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that her identity as an Indigenous person is not solely defined by official records but rather by community, culture, and familial ties. She criticized the report as an attack on her character and legacy, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and cultural belonging in Indigenous identity.

The decision to terminate Sainte-Marie’s Order of Canada appointment was based on grounds that could undermine the integrity of the honor, as outlined by the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. This process involved a thorough investigation and assessment of the allegations, ultimately leading to the Governor General’s decision to revoke the appointment.

It is worth noting that any Canadian citizen has the right to request the removal of an individual from the Order of Canada, with the process involving a detailed review by the advisory council and the Governor General. This ensures transparency and accountability in upholding the standards of the prestigious honor.

As this controversy continues to unfold, Sainte-Marie’s representatives have yet to provide a public statement on the matter. The impact of her termination from the Order of Canada serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the values and integrity associated with such distinguished honors.