Murray Sinclair, a prominent figure in the movement for Indigenous rights in Canada and the former leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, passed away on November 4 at the age of 73. His family confirmed his death at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stating that he had suffered from a long illness.
Sinclair, known by his Anishinaabe name Mazina Giizhik, was a trailblazer, being the first Indigenous person to serve as a judge in Manitoba and later appointed to Canada’s Senate. However, he gained national recognition through his role as lead commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015.
During the commission's six years, it gathered testimonies from over 6,500 survivors of Canada's residential schools for Indigenous children, ultimately labeling the school system as a form of "cultural genocide." The commission documented that more than 3,200 students died due to malnutrition, abuse, neglect, or incidents, with further research suggesting the number may exceed 10,000.
Established in 2008 as part of a settlement from a class-action lawsuit regarding the treatment of former students, the commission aimed to record the history of the residential school system and propose ways for reconciliation. Sinclair's approach included taking the commission's hearings nationwide and using social media to share testimonies, making the process more accessible to the public.
Sinclair emphasized that the commission's recommendations, termed "calls to action," were meant for all Canadians, not just governments. The 94 calls included measures to commemorate school students, recognize Indigenous rights and languages in legislation, and reform justice and healthcare systems.
Born on January 24, 1951, in Selkirk, Manitoba, Sinclair faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of his mother at a young age and the impact of residential school experiences on his family. After beginning his studies in physical education, he transitioned to law, motivated by his experiences with activism and a desire to make a difference in the legal system.
Sinclair served as a judge, where he contributed to reforms in the justice system concerning the treatment of Indigenous people. His dedication to advocating for Indigenous rights and acknowledgment of historical injustices defined his career.
Despite the challenges he faced, including skepticism regarding the commission's findings, Sinclair remained steadfast in promoting the truth about Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, following the recent death of his wife, Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair.