Image Credit: The Canadian Press

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Buffy Sainte-Marie — saint or sinner?

Nov 7, 2023 | 6:00 AM

I’VE HAD A TOUGH TIME this past week coming to grips with the sad case of Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Sainte-Marie is under fire from a number of directions following an edition of CBC’s Fifth Estate at the end of October that called into question Sainte-Marie’s self-proclaimed Indigenous ancestry. She has claimed she was born in Saskatchewan, but the CBC program claimed her birth certificate showed she was born to a Caucasian family in Massachusetts and did not have Indigenous blood, and comments from her family would seem to bear that out.

What makes it difficult is that she has committed a lot of her life to fight for indigenous rights. And no matter what, that body of work cannot be ignored. But it is certainly tainted by the accusations of betrayal by some First Nations Groups. And if the information is true, these are fair comments.

Sainte-Marie was awarded a Juno in 2018 for best indigenous album, which she should return. Awards she earned because they were related to her proclaimed heritage should also be returned.

Sainte-Marie continues to state she was born of Indigenous roots in Canada and was adopted by an Indigenous family in Saskatchewan near Regina. But apparently, that gives her no right to claim Indigenous heritage. You can become part of a family on an informal basis as well, but it’s more a social thing in that case and a token of love, trust and appreciation. In the early ’80s, I had such an honour bestowed upon me. A prominent family told me I was now part of their family. Even today, some of them remind me I am still part of their family. I’m proud of that. But the pride is in the love of family and not what I get materially.

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The real sad part of the Buffy Sainte-Marie story is the sense of betrayal many Indigenous people feel now that these allegations have come to light. Many youngsters were inspired by what she accomplished, giving them hope they too could rise to those heights as both a female and as an Indigenous person. That inspiration has been somewhat shattered.

Fortunately, there are many others who we can also look up to. Two people right here in Kamloops who I think fit the bill are Dr. Garry Gottfriedson, a poet who works at TRU and was granted an Honorary Degree at UNBC this spring, and Dr. Nadine Caron, a leader in many medical specialities in our province. Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir is a leader here. Richard Wagamese suffered through many personal struggles to become a leading Canadian writer.

Further afield, we can look at the amazing Tantoo Cardinal, Chief Dan George, former Atlin MLA Frank Calder, and we certainly can’t leave out MP and Senator Len Marchand Sr, his son Len Jr, and daughter Lori, all of whom have contributed greatly to our culture.

For Buffy Saint-Marie, however, the star has dimmed a little, and that is really a tragedy on so many levels.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.