Iniyal அமிழ்தினியழ்

Statement with from the Piapot family who adopted Buffy Sainte-Marie in light of a CBC Fifth Estate doc allegedly denying her Indigenous identity due to air this Friday. “An icon’s claims to Indigenous ancestry are being called into question by family members and an investigation that included genealogical documentation, historical research and personal accounts,” the description for the October 27 episode reads. This has sparked debate and shock on social media as the calling out of “pretendians” and identity fraud has gained momentum in recent years. Buffy’s adopted family stands by her, “The accusations which are about to be made of our Auntie Buffy are hurtful, ignorant, colonial - and racist. No one, including Canada and its governments, the Indian Act, institutions, media or any person anywhere can deny our family's inherent right to determine who is a member of our family and community,” reads part of the statement.