• Canada

Order of Canada

• Officer of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: April 17, 1997
  • Invested on: May 07, 1998

  Born of Cree parents on the Piapot Reserve in Saskatchewan, she is a musician of international stature, a Native rights activist and a pacifist whose music has sensitized people to political and social issues. Her stirring songs tell the universal story of love and hope, sadness and joy, struggle and triumph. She has also dedicated much of her life to the Cradleboard Teaching Project, which links Native and other children across the continent through computer networking. Her contribution to the development and funding of this interactive educational exchange has helped to facilitate communication and build a sense of identity and self-esteem in school children through the study of Aboriginal culture.

• Companion of the Order of Canada

  • Awarded on: May 9, 2019
  • Invested on: September 06, 2022

  Buffy Sainte-Marie, C.C.
  Craven, Saskatchewan
  
  For years, Buffy Sainte-Marie has been sowing words, beats, melodies and images of understanding and tolerance, dissent and protest in her garden of ideas. She fosters a culture of creativity and education, raises awareness of Indigenous rights and safeguards our environment. An enduring performer, she takes her passion and energy to the stage with unflinching power and determination, engaging audiences old and new. She is widely respected for her digital art and her works have been showcased around the country, much to the delight and wonderment of viewers.
  
  This is a promotion within the Order .