Buffy Sainte-Marie

Edit: This was really disappointing to read, but I feel it’s only fair to include this recent piece from the CBC to better understand this story. I’m keeping my original blog below. I was deeply moved by her story and contributions and loved the PBS special. I’m also aware that there have been many people who have falsely claimed identities that are not their own, and this is irreparably harmful. This is really its own blog post. White people must learn their ancestry and accept their identities as European Americans or they will continue to insert themselves into cultures that aren’t their own. “White” is not a culture. My heart goes out to the indigenous communities who were defrauded by her actions.

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Dear Music Gods,

Please forgive me for not fully grasping the importance and power of Buffy Sainte-Marie. Rest assured, I have made it my mission to listen to her catalog and will continue to follow her work with gratitude that our lifetimes overlap.

Yours sincerely,

Halley

PS - If anyone is wondering what prompted this, I urge to watch the the documentary from American Masters, “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry it On”