(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC) — The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) mourns the loss of prominent Anishinaabe leader Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik/The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky, esteemed lawyer, judge and senator, and tireless advocate for truth and reconciliation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all those who were touched by his wisdom and kindness and his unwavering commitment to justice, dignity and respect for all people. Murray Sinclair left a significant and lasting impact on Canada’s journey toward healing, justice and truth, and he will be profoundly missed.
In 2009, Justice Sinclair was appointed chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which led to a multi-volume Final Report released in 2015. The report contained 94 Calls to Action, calling upon all levels of Canadian society to commit to understanding the legacies of colonialism and to building a more respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
In recent years, he oversaw the inquiry into systemic racism within the Thunder Bay police and worked on the federal bill to enshrine aspects of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The BCAFN will honour his memory and keep his legacy alive by continuing to advocate for and support his vision for a just and inclusive Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sinclair family during this difficult time, and we encourage all who wish to pay their respects to participate in the sacred fire ceremony outside the Manitoba Legislative Building as a tribute to his lasting spirit.
Justice Murray Sinclair passed away today at the age of 73 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is survived by his five children, five grandchildren and extended family.