University of Toronto revokes Buffy Sainte-Marie honorary degree 2026

The University of Toronto has officially removed an honorary degree from Buffy Sainte-Marie. This is only the second time in the school's history that such an honor has been taken back.
By Newsroom | Education, Toronto |

Toronto, ON - The University of Toronto has moved to strip Buffy Sainte-Marie of an honorary degree awarded seven years prior, following protracted discussions surrounding her claimed Indigenous Cree heritage. The institution's governing council formally voted to rescind the Doctor of Laws degree. The decision appears to stem from a recent investigation, with reports citing a birth certificate suggesting Sainte-Marie was born in Massachusetts to Italian-American parents, a detail starkly at odds with her long-held public persona.

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Sainte-Marie has vociferously denied these allegations, stating the investigation relied on "fabricated" evidence and asserting she has never misrepresented her identity. Despite these defenses, the university's action signifies a significant blow to the Oscar-winning musician, known for her songwriting, including the Academy Award-winning "Up Where We Belong" and anti-war anthems.

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The controversy involves conflicting narratives about Sainte-Marie's origins. While she has identified as Cree from the Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan since the early 1960s, and has been widely recognized as a prominent Indigenous artist, recent reports have surfaced from U.S. family members suggesting she was not adopted and lacks Indigenous ancestry. Sainte-Marie herself has acknowledged being American and not a Canadian citizen.

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This revocation places Sainte-Marie in rare company; the University of Toronto's records indicate only one other instance of an honorary degree being rescinded: Duncan Campbell Scott, who held sway during the expansion of Canada's residential school system. The university initially recognized Sainte-Marie for her artistic contributions and advocacy for "the rights and dignity of all people."

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The Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, had previously signed off on the termination of Sainte-Marie's Order of Canada honour earlier this year, a move that was officially published in the Canada Gazette. Sainte-Marie defended herself via social media at the time of that action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the University of Toronto revoke Buffy Sainte-Marie's honorary degree on May 20, 2026?
The university's governing council voted to rescind the degree following investigations into her claimed Indigenous Cree heritage. Reports suggested she was born in Massachusetts to non-Indigenous parents, which conflicts with her public identity.
Q: Is this the first time the University of Toronto has taken back an honorary degree?
No, this is the second time. The only other person to have their degree rescinded by the university was Duncan Campbell Scott, who was involved in the Canadian residential school system.
Q: How has Buffy Sainte-Marie responded to the revocation of her degree?
Buffy Sainte-Marie has denied the allegations regarding her ancestry. She stated that the investigations relied on false evidence and maintains that she has never misrepresented her identity.
Q: Has Buffy Sainte-Marie lost other honors recently?
Yes, earlier this year, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, removed Sainte-Marie from the Order of Canada. This decision was officially published in the Canada Gazette.