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CANADA: Murray Sinclair, TRC Chair And Advocate For Indigenous Rights, Dies at 73

 

CANADA: Murray Sinclair, the Anishinaabe senator, former judge, and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), has passed away at age 73. He died peacefully at a Winnipeg hospital early on Monday, surrounded by family.

Sinclair’s family shared in a statement that he dedicated his life to creating change, uncovering truths, and leading with fairness. They remembered him as a compassionate listener who treated everyone with dignity. His work touched countless lives, from residential school survivors to law students, and his legacy will endure for generations.

A Life of Service and Leadership

Sinclair, a member of the Peguis First Nation, was raised by his Cree grandfather and Ojibway grandmother after the death of his mother. He overcame significant barriers, including the pressure to suppress his Indigenous identity, and went on to become a trailblazer in both the legal system and Indigenous rights advocacy.

He was the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba and later became the chief commissioner of the TRC. Sinclair’s leadership in the TRC helped expose the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential schools, which he described as a form of cultural genocide.” His work led to vital discussions about reconciliation and Indigenous rights.

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Political and Legal Career

After studying law at the University of Manitoba Sinclair worked with the Manitoba Métis Federation and later as a lawyer. He became disillusioned with the justice system early in his career, but with encouragement from his community, he persisted, eventually becoming the associate chief judge of the Manitoba Provincial Court in 1988.

Sinclair played a key role in shaping the Gladue Principles, which required courts to consider the unique circumstances of Indigenous offenders.

He was appointed to the Senate in 2016 and led investigations into systemic racism, including in the Thunder Bay police force. In 2021, he retired from the Senate and became Chancellor of Queen’s University.

A National Loss

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon both paid tribute to Sinclair, praising his lifelong commitment to justice and reconciliation. Trudeau said Sinclair was a “giant” in Canadian law, helping the country confront its darkest history and inspiring future generations to build a better future.

Family and Legacy

Sinclair leaves behind his wife, Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair, five children, and three grandchildren. His family has requested that donations be made to The Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, instead of sending flowers.

A sacred fire has been lit outside the Manitoba Legislative Building to help guide Sinclair’s spirit. The family invites people to visit and make offerings of tobacco, asking that no other fires be lit out of respect for his journey.

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