Kim TallBear on Making an Icon

Dr. Kim TallBear comments on Buffy Sainte-Marie’s claims to Indigenous ancestry

In October 2023, CBC’s The Fifth Estate released an investigative report on icon Buffy Sainte-Marie’s claims to Indigenous ancestry. Along with genealogical documentation, historical research, and personal accounts, the Faculty of Native Studies’ Kim TallBear provided expert comment on the Buffy case and the wider trend and impact of “Pretendians.”

Continued coverage featuring Dr. TallBear:

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Indigenous parentage is questioned (New York Times)

CBC Investigation Says Buffy Sainte-Marie Has Falsely Claimed Her Native Identity (The Hollywood Reporter)

Doubt cast on indigenous roots of Buffy Sainte-Marie (BBC)

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Indigenous Identity Questioned by CBC Investigative Report (Billboard)

Who is the real Buffy Sainte-Marie? (CBC)

Buffy Sainte-Marie is the latest public figure accused of being a ‘Pretendian.’ Here’s why that matters (CNN)

Find more Faculty of Native Studies in the news at ualberta.ca/native-studies