Native Canadian singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie wrote the pacifist anthem "Universal Soldier" in 1963. To this day, it's still an important antiwar song; likewise, six decades into making music, Sainte-Marie remains a cultural icon. This year, the 74-year-old released a new album, Power In The Blood.

During her appearance on World Cafe in June, Sainte-Marie spoke with host David Dye about her philanthropy and activist work in establishing the Nihewan Foundation for American Indian Education and the Cradleboard Teaching Project, whose educational initiatives are intended to increase understanding and awareness of Native American cultures.

At the Americana Music Association's 2015 Honors & Awards in September, Sainte-Marie received the Spirit Of Americana/Free Speech In Music Award, co-presented by the Americana Music Association and the First Amendment Center. Standing solo in the spotlight on the stage at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, she performed "Universal Soldier."

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