Friday November 8, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated November 9, 2024]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
First Nations lawyer, senator and Indigenous rights leader Murray Sinclair passed away early on Monday morning November 4. He was 73.
He was the driving force behind the creation and work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) during 2009 to 2015 by which the rest of Canada came to know the hardships and tragedies of Indigenous peoples as perpetrated by various ways and means of predominant Canadian culture and government.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew this week honoured Sinclair for his pioneering role in advancing reconciliation in Canada and for the person he was as being guided by unconditional love.
In 2023, Sinclair spoke at the ceremony where Kinew was sworn in as Canada’s first First Nations premier. Sinclair called it “Manitoba’s true act of reconciliation.”
Bridging two worlds:
Sinclair led the way to the bridging of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures in a way that was riveting and firm. He held onto his own cultural while diving deep into the highest levels of Canada’s legal and government spheres.
Trudeau’s comment:
“Canada has lost a giant — a brilliant legal mind, a champion of Indigenous rights and a trusted leader on our journey of reconciliation,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement.
“As the chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he challenged us to confront the darkest parts of our history — because he believed we could learn from them, and be better for it. He listened to residential school survivors and he made sure Canada heard their stories.”
This week Vancouver Island MP Rachel Blaney (North Island—Powell River, NDP) said in the House of Commons:
“Mr. Speaker, I know that as we are here doing the work of this place, we know that outside of this place important things are happening in Canada. I just want to say that it grieves my heart deeply to hear that Senator Murray Sinclair passed away today, after 73 years of life which he committed to making sure that the voices of residential school survivors were heard.”
“As the granddaughter of a residential school survivor and as the spouse of a residential school survivor, I am incredibly grateful to Senator Sinclair for his tremendous leadership and work. I am wondering if the member has any thoughts that he would like to share with the family of Senator Sinclair on this very hard day.”
On November 5, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued this statement:
“The NDP shares with great sadness our deepest condolences with the family and friends of former Senator, judge, lawyer and Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Murray Sinclair.
Today, we bid farewell to a remarkable leader and Canadian hero for Indigenous justice and rights in Canada. Sinclair dedicated his life to identifying the colonial injustices against Indigenous Peoples by all levels of governments while setting a path forward to right wrongs.
Sinclair joined the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as its Chief Commissioner in 2009—a commission that provided a road map for Canada, provinces, territories and municipalities to reform policies and deliver justice to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. His contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were instrumental in bringing awareness to the injustices faced by Indigenous residential school survivors, their families and communities.
Sinclair also worked as the co-commissioner of Manitoba’s 1988 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. In that role, his contributions to justice reforms represent a legacy that must be amplified and repeated. We all must follow in his giant leaps so we all can have a role in meaningful reconciliation.
Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment to justice, he fostered dialogue and understanding, paving the way for healing and reconciliation. He will be remembered for his leadership, compassion, and dedication to creating a better future for all peoples across Canada.
Sinclair’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue justice, equality, and respect for all cultures. His passing is a profound loss to all of us.
On behalf of all New Democrats, I want to thank and honour his family for sharing him with all of us. We send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, friends, and all who were inspired by his work.
May he rest in peace.”
Indigenous Veterans Day:
Today November 8 BC Premier Eby has marked the role of Indigenous Peoples in service with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Remembrance Day is celebrated November 11 across Canada each year.
National Commemorative Ceremony:
There will be a National Commemorative Ceremony for the Honourable Murray Sinclair in Winnipeg on Sunday November 10.
