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. Host: Geoff Leo
CBC newsmagazine The Fifth Estate has aired its Buffy Sainte-Marie exposé. The hourlong documentary episode, presented by senior investigative reporter Geoff Leo, alleges that the singer-songwriter – considered the first Indigenous winner of an Academy Award – has been fraudulently posing as Native throughout her 60-year career. While the specifics about Sainte-Marie’s background varied as …
Reporting on stories of false Indigeneity is in the public interest because, experts say, failing to challenge false narratives is contrary to the principles of truth and reconciliation. But the bar for reporting on these stories is high. CBC's editor in chief Brodie Fenlon explains the careful considerations that CBC weighs before stories ever get to air or online.