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Buffy Sainte-Marie
Awards
Juno Awards Revoke Buffy Sainte-Marie's Wins and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Induction
The news comes on the same day the Polaris Music Prize also rescinded the singer-songwriter's awards. The decision follows questions around her Indigenous identity and a statement from the artist that she is not a Canadian citizen.
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The Juno Awards have rescinded Buffy Sainte-Marie's awards and her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
The decision comes on the same day the Polaris Music Prize also rescinded her two awards.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), the organization that administers the Junos, released a statement today (March 7), writing that the singer-songwriter does not meet eligibility requirements following her confirmation that she is not Canadian — similar criteria that the Polaris Prize cited. It was a "not a reflection of Ms. Sainte-Marie’s artistic contributions," CARAS writes.
CARAS says it made the decision following a thorough review and consultations with the CARAS Indigenous Music Advisory Committee.
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In 2023, shortly after CBC's investigation into Sainte-Marie's Indigenous identity, a group called the Indigenous Women's Collective called on CARAS to rescind Sainte-Marie's 2018 Juno for Indigenous album of the year, which she won for the album Medicine Songs. Cree opera singer Rhonda Head supported the call.
Both the Junos and Polaris Prize decisions follow the news that Sainte-Marie's Order of Canada was terminated. On March 4, The Canadian Press reported Sainte-Marie issued a statement about the termination, saying that she returned the Order "with a good heart" and affirming that she is a U.S. citizen. "My Cree family adopted me forever and this will never change," she added.
Read CARAS's full statement below.
CARAS Announces the Rescission of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s JUNO Awards
CARAS is committed to upholding the integrity of The JUNO Awards and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, which recognizes Canadian artists who meet established eligibility criteria.
Following a thorough review, consultations with the CARAS Indigenous Music Advisory Committee, and in light of recent information, including Ms. Sainte-Marie’s confirmation that she is not Canadian, CARAS will revoke Buffy Sainte-Marie’s JUNO Awards and Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction in accordance with its eligibility requirements.
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This decision is not a reflection of Ms. Sainte-Marie’s artistic contributions but ensures that CARAS celebrates and honours artists who meet the criteria. While this decision aligns with longstanding criteria, we acknowledge the impact it may have.
Buffy Sainte-Marie has been a strong supporter and advocate for Canadian music, and we acknowledge the past contributions she has made to our organization. However, CARAS’ mandate is to educate, develop, celebrate, and honour Canadian artists. Maintaining the integrity of this process is essential to ensuring the organization continues to fulfill its purpose.
CARAS remains dedicated to supporting diverse artists and the conversations their work inspires, fostering an industry that reflects the rich diversity of Canadian culture.
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