An Aboriginal Presence

An Aboriginal Presence

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Born to Cree parents on the Piapot Reserve, Saskatchewan, Buffy Sainte-Marie earned degrees in Oriental Philosophy and Education, and a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts. A musician committed to education, she founded the Nihewan Foundation for Native American Education in 1969.

On "Sesame Street", Sainte-Marie brought her message that "Indians exist" to children around the world. Recently, she created an educational e-network promoting Aboriginal culture (http://www.cradleboard.org/). Her song, "Up Where We Belong," won an Academy Award (1981). She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1998.

(left) Buffy Sainte-Marie, photograph by Aaron Harris Courtesy of Buffy Sainte-Marie (right) Mouthbow Owned by Buffy Sainte-Marie Gift of Buffy Sainte-Marie, 2002 Canadian Museum of Civilization, V-A-874, S2003-995, CD2004-0695