The singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is speaking out against recent claims that have called into question her Indigenous ancestry. An investigation by CBC revealed that Sainte-Marie, who had long identified as Indigenous, was actually born to a white Italian family in Stoneham, Massachusetts, contradicting her previous statements.

CBC's The Fifth Estate documentary episode alleged that Sainte-Marie had fabricated her Indigenous background, suggesting that she had been adopted into a Cree family in accordance with Cree law and customs. However, Sainte-Marie strongly denied these claims and maintained that she has "never lied about my identity." She explained that she had learned about her Indigenous heritage from her mother, who was of Mi'kmaq heritage, and that her connection to the Indigenous community has played a profound role in shaping her life and work.

In her extensive statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Sainte-Marie criticized the CBC report, labeling it as an "attack" on her character that was "full of mistakes and omissions." She pointed out that the documentary heavily relied on a story concocted by her brother, who she accused of being her childhood abuser. Sainte-Marie acknowledged that her estranged family had grown up scared of her due to a letter she had sent in an effort to protect herself from further abuse.

Responding to the birth certificate presented by CBC, Sainte-Marie argued that it was not uncommon for birth certificates of Indigenous children to be created by western governments after being adopted or taken away from their families. She also emphasized that her identity as an Indigenous person goes beyond official documents. "Being an 'Indian' has little to do with sperm tracking and colonial record keeping," she stated. "It has to do with community, culture, knowledge, teachings, who claims you, who you love, who loves you, and who's your family."

Sainte-Marie, who has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous communities and has received accolades including an Oscar and Canada's Polaris Music Prize, has faced criticism from members of her Massachusetts family. Her niece and sister doubted her claims of Indigenous heritage, while records from the 1940s and 1950s listed her as white. Sainte-Marie's journey to uncover her background has been fraught with uncertainty, as she admitted that she doesn't know her birth parents and may never find answers.

Despite the controversy, Sainte-Marie remains proud of her Indigenous-American identity and her connections to Indigenous culture and her Piapot family in Canada. She retired from performing earlier this year due to health reasons, including arthritis and a shoulder injury. Sainte-Marie declined an interview with CBC through her lawyer, who emphasized her right to privacy regarding her personal genealogical and family history.

The debate surrounding Buffy Sainte-Marie's Indigenous ancestry raises complex questions about identity, family history, and the significance of cultural connections. As the controversy continues, Sainte-Marie's supporters and critics alike await further clarifications and resolutions regarding her heritage.