BREAKING UPDATE: When there's money in the genes, expect false claims

Pretendianism’s poisonous proliferation

The piece on the other side of the paywall was written by yours truly.

It partly concerns “Pretendian” accusations against Canada’s best known supposedly indigenous entertainer that I now update with the following relelation.

As just reported by the National Post and CBC News, Buffy Sainte-Marie's Order of Canada has been terminated, nearly three decades after she was appointed in 1997.

The history of her having been awarded this prestigious honour has been scrubbed online.

The federal government's official publication posted the notice Friday evening, indicating that Governor General Mary Simon ordered the termination of Sainte-Marie's appointment on Jan. 3.

No reason was given but the termination comes after a 2023 CBC investigation raised serious doubts about the singer's claims to indigenous identity.

The singer-songwriter, now in her 80s, had long made indigenous identity a central feature of her music and activism.

While she initially defended herself against questions of her Cree heritage, Sainte-Marie’s official website eventually removed reference to her being born on Piapot First Nation, located outside of Regina.

The revelations sent shock and grief through indigenous communities across Canada and led to some calling for her to be stripped of awards.

In November 2023, Sainte-Marie said the story by CBC's The Fifth Estate was full of mistakes and omissions. At the time, in her first public statement since it was published, Sainte-Marie called the story an attack on her character, life and legacy.

"Being an 'Indian' has little to do with sperm tracking and colonial record keeping: it has to do with community, culture, knowledge, teachings, who claims you, who you love, who loves you and who's your family," said Sainte-Marie, in a written statement to The Canadian Press.

Chuck Thompson, a CBC spokesperson, defended the broadcaster and the story, saying the evidence was fairly presented.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General said in a statement on Friday it does not comment on the specifics of termination cases.

However, conviction for a criminal offence and conduct that may undermine the integrity of the order are reasons the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada may recommend the termination of an appointment, according to its policy.

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. Presented by the governor general, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.