Buffy Sainte-Marie, born Beverley Jean Santamaria on February 20, 1941, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, musician, and social activist. Known for her powerful voice and poignant songwriting, Sainte-Marie's work often addresses themes of love, war, religion, mysticism, and the struggles of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada. Her career, spanning from 1963 to 2023, saw her release numerous albums and singles across genres like folk, rock, and country folk.

Sainte-Marie gained significant recognition for her contributions to music and activism. In 1983, she co-wrote "Up Where We Belong" for the film An Officer and a Gentleman, which won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Throughout her life, she has been celebrated for her educational efforts and humanitarian work.

However, in 2023, a CBC News investigation revealed that Sainte-Marie, who had long claimed Indigenous Canadian ancestry, was actually born to parents of Italian and English descent in the United States. This revelation led to calls from some Indigenous communities for the revocation of awards she received under the premise of her claimed Indigenous identity. Consequently, in 2025, several of her honors, including her membership in the Order of Canada and her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, were rescinded.

Despite the controversy surrounding her heritage, Buffy Sainte-Marie remains a significant figure in music history, known for her advocacy and artistic contributions.