Area leaders, organizations pay tribute to the late Murray Sinclair

Tim Brody - Editor

Area leadership and organizations are paying tribute to the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, who passed away on Nov. 4 at the age pf 73.
“An advocate, guide, and teacher, the Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life to giving a voice to First Nations, Inuit and Metis and to fostering understanding, compassion, and reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people in Canada. He was a tireless defender of people’s rights and dignity, working both within the courtroom and in society at large to further the cause of justice for all, and for Indigenous Peoples in particular,” the Government of Canada shared on its website.
A member of Peguis First Nation, Murray Sinclair was born in 1951 in the former St. Peter’s Indian Reserve and grew up in the Selkirk area north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the first Indigenous judge in the province, and the second in Canada.
“In 2001, Murray Sinclair became the first Indigenous judge appointed to the Court of King’s Bench (then Queen’s Bench), the highest trial court in Manitoba. His leadership in the area of Indigenous justice took on a national dimension when, in 2009, he was appointed chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Over six years, this work shed light on one of the darkest chapters in Canadian history and the devastating legacy of Canada’s Indian residential school system which continues to this day. The resulting 94 Calls to Action in the TRC’s final report provided a blueprint for redefining Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
Murray Sinclair was appointed as a Senator from 2016 until 2021, before being installed as chancellor of Queen’s University for a three-year term from 2021 to 2024,” the Government of Canada informed. 
On behalf of the leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of the Hon. Justice Murray Sinclair:
“We are terribly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend this morning. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family and their children, Peguis First Nation, and friends and colleagues across Turtle Island. May the Creator guide him as he begins his Spirit Journey.
“Murray was a tremendously accomplished and inspirational leader, and his voice and vision will be greatly missed. His leadership at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ensured that thousands of Indian Residential School Survivors received the justice they deserved and helped re-balance the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. His accomplishments as a scholar, judge, and Senator are marked with countless awards and recognition and inspired many Indigenous people to pursue their education and be the best they can be.
“One of the greatest insights he shared is that reconciliation is not a task to be done by Survivors. True reconciliation, he said, must include institutional change, as ‘Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain – we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just, and it is also necessary.’
“Reconciliation, he taught us, is ours to achieve. The work ahead of us is difficult, but we share his belief that we owe it to each other to build a country based on a shared future of healing and trust. Murray encouraged us to walk the path towards reconciliation. Accepting this responsibility is a fitting way to honour his legacy.”
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout shared, “The Municipality of Sioux Lookout, including its Mayor and Council, staff, the Municipal Truth and Reconciliation Committee, and its citizens, expresses deep sorrow at the passing of Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair. 
“Today, there are many members of the community mourning this loss of a remarkable man. Mr. Sinclair was a statesman, instrumental in bringing together the indigenous and non-indigenous people across Canada. In his various roles as Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, co-commissioner of Manitoba’s 1988 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, a Senator, and leader of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Mr. Sinclair lead the path of reconciliation of the legacy of the Indian Residential School system and colonialism in general.
“Justice Sinclair’s work has inspired the Municipality to embark on its own path to reconciliation.”  Mayor Doug Lawrance noted, “The empathy of Justice Sinclair to all people was always evident when he spoke.  His patience to non-Indigenous Canadians and his understanding that the truth was hard to process, that reconciliation would be a generations long process, was remarkable.”
“On behalf of the citizens of Sioux Lookout, we send our condolences to the family and friends of the late Murray Sinclair,” the Municipality stated.
Bikiiwewinig Nindawaashish-iiminaanak, the Bringing Our Children Home Initiative, a partnership among Lac Seul First Nation, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, shared last week of Sinclair’s passing, “We are saddened to hear the news that Justice Murray Sinclair has begun his journey into the Spirit World. Our Initiative was fortunate to have Justice Murray meet one on one with representatives of Bikiiwewinig Nindawaashishiiminaanak and provide his thoughts and advice on setting up the structure under which we operate today. We will forever be grateful. Justice Murray led the Truth and Reconciliation Committee during its painful, but necessary work. Through many other works, his voice will heard for generations. Rest in peace, Justice Murray.”