Buffy Sainte-Marie to be recognized for humanitarian efforts

Saskatchewan's own Buffy Sainte-Mariewill be recognized for her humanitarian efforts at the JUNO Awards this year.

• AS IT HAPPENS | Buffy Sainte-Marie honoured with humanitarian award, calls for new generation of protest songs
• What does Buffy Sainte-Marie believe?
• Arty party: cultural organizations fete Canada on its 150th

The2017 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award is given out annually to Canadian musicians that have made philanthropic efforts and have made a positive impact on society.

After a career spanningmore than 50 years, Sainte-Mariewill berecognized for her dedication to protecting Indigenous communities and intellectual property.

The singer, born on the PiapotPlains Cree First Nation, is no stranger to the JUNOs. At the awards last year her album Power in the Blood won Aboriginal Album of the Year.

Past award recipients include Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan and Rush.

The award will be given out April 1 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa.