Murray Sinclair, the Anishinaabe senator and renowned Manitoba lawyer who led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has passed away. Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
A former judge and senator, one of Sinclair’s biggest roles was chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into residential schools.
Born in 1951, Sinclair was raised on the former St. Peter’s Indian Reserve north of Winnipeg. He was a member of Peguis First Nation. In 1979, Sinclair graduated law school at the University of Manitoba.
In 11 years, he became the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba — the second in Canada — when he was appointed an associate chief judge of the provincial court. In 2001, he rose to was then called the Court of Queen’s Bench.
In all, he spent 28 years as a judge.
In 2009, however, Sinclair moved to the national stage as he began a six-year journey as chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. That cross-country odyssey exploring the devastating impact of the residential school system resulted in 94 calls to action, which are helping reshape Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Joanne Mason, CEO of the Alberta Native Friendship Association tells CFWE FM, his passing effects the whole country.
Mason continues, it’s a day to reflect on Sinclair’s work.
Sinclair was 73 years old.
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