Buffy Sainte-Marie stripped of Juno, Polaris music awards
Both the Juno Awards and the Polaris Music Prize announced Friday they were rescinding the honours Sainte-Marie had received over the years, after the 84-year-old musician returned her Order of Canada earlier this week, saying she is an American citizen and had "made it completely clear" she is not Canadian.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), which runs the Junos, said it made the decision in accordance with its eligibility requirements, following Sainte-Marie's statements about not being Canadian.
Sainte-Marie had collected seven Juno Awards over the years.
"This decision is not a reflection of Ms. Sainte-Marie's artistic contributions but ensures that CARAS celebrates and honours artists who meet the criteria. While this decision aligns with longstanding criteria, we acknowledge the impact it may have," CARAS said in its statement.
"Buffy Sainte-Marie has been a strong supporter and advocate for Canadian music, and we acknowledge the past contributions she has made to our organization. However, CARAS' mandate is to educate, develop, celebrate, and honour Canadian artists."
Polaris gave the same reason, saying that based on Sainte-Marie's statement, she "does not meet Polaris Music Prize's rules and regulations."
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