Unshakable Bodhisattva
While Canadian soldiers were being sent abroad by their government in WWII to fight fascism, at home, agents were stealing babies from Indigenous families. Little Buffy was shipped south, to a white family in America, to have the Indian scrubbed from her.
After double university degrees, Buffy returned to her reservation and was adopted by the son of a Chief and His Wife.
An ambassador of teaching by presence and sound, the beautiful bodhisattva’s* ripples resonate across all First Nations beings.
Her mission continues, with quiet belief, powered by unshakable determination, saying,
“Nations make mistakes and mistakes must be corrected.”
[100 words]
In 1983, Buffy Sainte Marie became the first Indigenous American person to win an Oscar, when her song “Up Where We Belong“, co-written for the film An Officer and a Gentleman, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 55th Academy Awards. The song also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song that same year.
Afterword:
I’m writing a Rochelle-style story today. When I saw the musical equipment and the First Nations design blanket, I immediately thought of Buffy Sainte Marie. I wrote a post on Buffy on March 9, 2023’s Women Music March. To read the post and learn more about Buffy, go HERE.
*Bodhisattva definition: (via wiki)
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a person who has attained, or is striving towards, bodhi (meaning ‘awakening’, ‘enlightenment’) or Buddhahood. Often, the term specifically refers to a person who forgoes or delays bodhi in order to compassionately help other individuals reach Buddhahood.
A final word: looking for a pic of Buffy I saw various articles alleging things about her heritage, her being stripped of awards, etc. I don’t give a flying f… about that other than to say it is typical to try and silence those who speak truth to power. I love you, Buffy!
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao-Talk 
Removing indigenous children from their families without consent is a terrible crime that must never be forgotten.
As a Steely Dan fan, when I saw the title of your post, I immediately thought of their song “Bodhisattva,” which Donald Fagen called a “sort of a parody on the way Western people look at Eastern religion – sort of oversimplify it. We thought it was rather amusing – most people didn’t get it.” Not getting Steely Dan’s lyrics? Now that would be a first! 🤣
On a more serious note, “Up Where We belong” was very popular Germany. I couldn’t care less about the movie but immediately liked the song when I first heard on the radio. It helped I really dug Joe Cocker and also thought Jennifer Warnes had a pretty voice. The song still reasonably holds up to me. I had no idea it was penned by Buffy Sainte Marie.
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Christian, thank you for taking the time to read and listen to the info on Buffy. Yes, I love that SDan song! Their music is, well, music to my ears. I have their Citizen Dan box set and truly love it. It’s a desert island contender for sure.
I liked the clip from the movie while the song played. I used to be obsessed with Richard Gere! Debra Winger was a superstar also back in those days. I love the two singers also, as long as I don’t have to watch him sing lol
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😆
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She’s best known for “Up Where We Belong” but I remember her for another song. However, even with the internet’s help, I can’t remember what it is (it’s been decades). My granddaughter is listening to my tablet at the moment, so I can’t sample her songs to see which one is familiar. Thanks for the reminder, though.
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Is it “I’ve had the time of my life” with Bill Medley? She had some good hits.
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Great song…and I very much liked the movie as well. In fact, this tune was the first dance song at our wedding…so there’s that.😊
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Bruce, knowing you played this at your wedding is heartwarming. Great choice for the first dance song.
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Love this song, Lisa. Very interesting and informative write up. Best line IMO: to have the Indian scrubbed from her. Says it all.
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that is a great line
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Nancy, thank you very much.
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Most welcome, Lisa.
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Greta post. I leaned a lot. Love the song
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Thank you, Steve.
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Great song even. Me and my typos…
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:) Hey, give me one choice (can be multi-part) from your blog that you think I should read.
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Hey OK.
The Koh-I-Noor Sit Down. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. And it’s short and a one off.
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OK, I have it bookmarked and will get to it soon. Looking forward to it!
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Thanks
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I like “beautiful bodhisattva” and I love that song, too
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:) <3
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Dear Lisa,
I’ve long admired Buffy and the reports of her being a “pretendian” have upset me. I just find it hard to believe those reports. She’s had so many hits that resonate.
Thank you for sharing her story. I mean take a good hard look at her. This isn’t the face of a caucasian. That’s my take in any event.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. My pleasure on sharing her story.
Shalom,
Lisa
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🩷🩷
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Great piece Li, I remember her and her song. We have much to redress.
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<3 ::praying hands::
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i’ve learned something new again today. thanks for sharing.
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Plaridel, you are very welcome. Happy to share about Buffy Sainte Marie.
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A lovely trip down memory lane.
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Thanks very much, Kwadwo.
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