Polaris Music Prize Statement – Buffy Sainte-Marie, Eligibility And Citizenship

Buffy Sainte-Marie won the 2015 Polaris Music Prize for the album Power In The Blood; this win came with a $50,000 cash prize. The criteria for this award was strictly based on artistic merit, without regard for commercial factors such as sales or popularity. It was solely based on the strength of the music.

Additionally, Sainte-Marie’s 1964 album It’s My Way received Polaris Heritage Prize designation in 2020 by the Polaris Heritage jury. This legacy honour was also based on the album’s artistic merit, without regard for commercial factors such as sales or radio play.

The Polaris Music Prize recognizes and celebrates artistic excellence in Canada. Our eligibility criteria requires all nominees to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with proof of status provided through government-issued documentation, including passports, birth certificates, permanent resident cards, and/or Secure Certificates of Indian Status.

We understand that not all Indigenous people have access to government-issued paperwork, and we acknowledge that this does not diminish their identity or connection to their communities and should not impact their ability to be nominated for the Polaris Music Prize.

Buffy Sainte-Marie released an updated statement confirming she is an American citizen and holds a U.S. passport. Sainte-Marie also added she was adopted as a young adult by a Cree family in Saskatchewan and told the Canadian Press that she “made it completely clear” she was not Canadian to Rideau Hall staff, as well as to former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau when he invited her to perform for Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.

Based on Sainte-Marie’s statement, Buffy does not meet Polaris Music Prize’s rules and regulations. Given Buffy’s statement regarding her citizenship, Polaris Music Prize will be rescinding all awards including her 2015 Polaris Music Prize and 2020 Heritage Prize.

Polaris is dedicated to celebrating the art of music based on artistic merit. Through our awards and programs we inspire music fans in Canada and across the world to champion important Canadian music. We look forward to continuing our mission in 2025 where we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary.