The Indigenous folks singer and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie is a crucial determine of Canadian music, and her accolades embrace a 1982 Oscar (for co-writing “Up The place We Belong“) and the 2015 Polaris Music Prize (for her album Energy In The Blood). The 82-year-old musician’s Native id is now being referred to as into query by the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s documentary sequence The Fifth Property.

The newsmagazine episode’s description reads, “An icon’s claims to Indigenous ancestry are being referred to as into query by relations and an investigation that included genealogical documentation, historic analysis and private accounts.” Upfront of its premiere tomorrow Oct. 27, Sainte-Marie has shared a press release.

In a prolonged put up on X, she wrote that CBC’s accusations have been “past traumatic” and that she has “at all times struggled to reply questions on who I’m.” Learn the complete assertion:

“My Fact as I Know It

It’s with nice unhappiness, and a heavy coronary heart, that I’m compelled to reply to deeply hurtful allegations that I count on can be reported within the media quickly. Final month, the Canadian Broadcasting Company, contacted me to query my id and the sexual assault I skilled as a toddler.

To relive these truths, and revisit questions I made peace with many years in the past, has been past traumatic. However I do know I owe it to these I like, and people who help me, to reply.

I’m pleased with my Indigenous-American id, and the deep ties I’ve to Canada and my Piapot household.

What I learn about my Indigenous ancestry I realized from my rising up mom, who was half Mi’kmaq, and my very own analysis later in life. My mom advised me many issues, together with that I used to be adopted and that I used to be Native, however there was no documentation as was widespread for Indigenous youngsters born within the 1940’s. Later in my life, as an grownup, she advised me some issues I’ve by no means shared out of respect for her that I hate sharing now, together with that I’ll have been born on “the improper aspect of the blanket”. This was her story to inform, not mine.

As a younger grownup, I used to be adopted by Emile Piapot (son of Chief Piapot, Treaty 4 Adhesion signatory), and Clara Starblanket Piapot (daughter of Chief Starblanket, Treaty 4 signatory), in accordance with Cree regulation and customs. They have been sort, loving, and proud to assert me as their very own. I like my Piapot household and am so fortunate to have them in my life.

I’ve at all times struggled to reply questions on who I’m. For a very long time, I attempted to find details about my background. By that analysis what grew to become clear, and what I’ve at all times been sincere about, is that I don’t know the place I’m from or who my start mother and father have been, and I’ll by no means know. Which is why, to be questioned on this means right now is painful, each for me, and for my two households I like so dearly.

My Indigenous id is rooted in a deep connection to a neighborhood which has had a profound position in shaping my life and my work. For my whole life, I’ve championed Indigenous, and Native American causes when no one else would, or had the platform to take action. I’m proud to have been in a position to communicate up for Indigenous points. I’ve at all times tried to bridge gaps between communities and educate folks to reside in love and kindness.

That is my reality. And whereas there are a lot of issues I have no idea; I’ve been proud to truthfully share my story all through my life.

Painfully, the CBC has additionally compelled me to relive and defend my expertise as a survivor of sexual abuse which I endured by the hands of my brother, in addition to one other member of the family — whom I’ve by no means publicly named.

I might always remember these violations. It’s one thing I’ve lived with all my life. Talking about my expertise is tough, and though I’ve shared privately, I’ve not often achieved so publicly. I’ve spoken up as a result of I do know others can not, and to have this questioned and sensationalized by Canada’s public broadcaster is appalling.

Whereas these questions have harm me, I do know they may even harm hose I like. My household. My buddies. And all those that have seen themselves in my story. All I can say is what I do know to be true: I do know who I like, I do know who loves me. And I do know who claims me.

I’ll not know the place I used to be born, however I do know who I’m.

Buffy Saint-Marie”

She additionally posted a video on Instagram addressing the allegations.

Over the summer season Sainte-Marie introduced she was retiring from reside performances for well being causes.