WINNIPEG—Murray Sinclair, who was described as a champion for First Nations people, passed away peacefully November 4 in a Winnipeg hospital. A former judge and senator, one of his biggest roles was chair of the Truth and Reconciliaton Commission into residential schools.
“The Anishinabek Nation mourns the loss of Mazina Giizhik (The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), Justice Murray Sinclair-baa, who has now commenced his journey into the spirit world,” a statement from Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige and Deputy Grand Council Chief Chris Plain. “We acknowledge his invaluable advocacy, contributions and work for all first nations people and Canadians. He lived by his principles and demonstrated this by leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to a final report that shared not only the truth, but a way forward for all of us. He was a champion for first nations who inspired many in his efforts for human rights, truth and justice.”
“His passing is deeply felt, leaving behind a void in all who knew him,” the statement reads. His legacy of dedication and friendship leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“The Anishinabek Nation extends heartfelt condolences to his family and a deep gratitude for sharing him with all of us. We now all have a shared duty to ensure that his legacy continues by continuing to carry the torch today for the benefit of future generations. As Murray-baa said, ‘Education is the key to reconciliation… Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.”
A statement released by Mr. Sinclair’s family read, “Mazina Giizhik committed his life in service to the people; creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness throughout his career. The impact of our dad’s work reached far across the country and the world. From residential school survivors to law students to those who sat across from him in a courtroom, he was always known as an exceptional listener who treated everyone with dignity and respect.”
Mr. Sinclair, the father of five children, was raised on the former St. Peter’s Indian Reserve north of Winnipeg. He was a member of Peguis First Nation. He was raised by his grandparents and graduated from a high school in Selkirk, Manitoba, where he excelled in athletics. He later worked as an assistant to legislature member Howard Pawley, before the latter became premier. In 1979, Mr. 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 what was then called the Court of Queen’s Bench.
In total, Mr. Sinclair spent 28 years as a judge. He served as co-chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba to examine whether the justice system was failing Indigenous people after the murder of Helen Betty Osborne and the police shooting death of J.J. Harper. He also directed the complex Pediatric Surgery Inquest into the deaths of 12 children at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre.
In leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Mr. Sinclair participated in hundreds of hearings across Canada and heard testimony from thousands of residential school survivors. The commissioners released their widely influential final report in 2015, which described what took place at the institutions as cultural genocide and included 94 Calls to Action. For their efforts, the commissioners received the Meritorious Service Cross. Mr. Sinclar received many awards in his career including the Order of Canada in 2017 for dedicating his life to championing Indigenous peoples’ rights and freedoms.
“All First Nations across Turtle Island owe a deep debt of gratitude to Murray Sinclair, who spent his life fighting for justice for all First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We have all benefitted from his steadfast commitment to find justice for First Nations in Canada. We have lost a true warrior who will be remembered by all as a hero of our people.”
Mr. Sinclair, “and the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action established a path that all Canadians can walk to move forward from our dark history. We can see the impact that he’s had each day that passes,” said Regional Chief Benedict.
Two weeks ago, Kimberly Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Umarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, released the final report which directly build upon the foundation laid by Mr. Sinclair and the TRC.
“While the loss of Sinclair is truly devastating, it is profound and heartening that he was able to see yet another important milestone in the fight for First Nations justice in this country, with the release of Kimberly Murray’s final report,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We owe it to Mr. Sinclair, and all the survivors of residential schools and their families to continue his fight. The Chiefs of Ontario vow never to forget what he’s done for us and to make sure that no one else does either. We will carry on his name and pursuit of justice,” added Regional Chief Benedict.
