WEYBURN - The recent release of The Fifth Estate episode exposing the true ancestry of music icon Buffy Saint Marie has shaken many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to their very core.
Buffy was (and still is) an integral part of our history, as a musician and an activist.
I am a descendent of colonists. I had many Indigenous friends, but Buffy was the first “famous” Aboriginal person I knew of, due to her role on Sesame Street. My older siblings also sang her songs loud and proud.
I’m not sure why this revelation has weighed so heavy on me these last few days.
I have watched and read and spoken about this to sort my feelings. I’ve asked a few of my Indigenous friends how they feel.
Denial, anger, betrayal, hurt, support, grief … the list goes on.
Personally, I have overwhelming sadness.
I’m sad that at 82 years of age, Buffy is faced with defending her integrity.
Why now?
In a published statement, Buffy expressed her thoughts, “My Truth as I Know It”, which refutes many of the claims made by the television program.
Some stand with Buffy and some against. There are calls to remove awards and distinctions that she has been given over her 60+ years as a public figure.
From what I know of Indigenous culture, family extends well beyond blood lines and DNA. It is relational and spiritual. Despite the “proof” brought forward regarding Buffy’s ancestry, she was embraced by the Piapot family and belongs to them. And they to her.
I reached out to an Indigenous friend who is close to the same age as Buffy, and she had this to say.
“Buffy came at a time when we didn’t have a voice. She took it upon herself with God-given talents and put them to work for the recognition of our Aboriginal nations. She was our voice when we were silenced.”
Although her awards and accolades may be revoked, there are some things that cannot be undone.
Buffy has brought visibility to many issues over the years, including the horror of residential schools, MMIW, and the systemic racism that plagues our nation.
She has done many good works, and those cannot be erased or revoked.
