Murray Sinclair, a former senator, judge and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, is remembered by Manitoba leaders for decades as a champion of Indigenous rights.
“It’s going to take a long time for our country to produce someone like Murray Sinclair,” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said during questions in Parliament on Monday.
“When a forest loses one giant cedar, it’s important to ensure that the remaining trees can grow well for the next generation.”
Sinclair died early Monday morning at a Winnipeg hospital, his family announced. He was 73 years old.
Sinclair, a member of the Peguis First Nation, was born in 1951 on what was once St. Peter’s Reserve, just north of Selkirk. His spiritual name is Mazina Gizik, which in the Anishinaabemowin language means “one who speaks of pictures in the sky.”
Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, Sinclair led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and also served as a senator.
Mr. Kinew recalled that just over a year ago, Mr. Sinclair presided over the swearing-in of the government and delivered a message that Mr. Kinew called surprising but simple.
“He said, ‘You have to learn to love people, even if they don’t love you.
“He told us to love each other no matter what. This is the legacy Murray Sinclair leaves us as Canadians.”
Kinew became emotional in Parliament on Monday, saying Sinclair “has been there all his life.”
A sacred fire was lit outside the Manitoba Legislature for those who wanted to pay their respects to Sinclair in person.
Kinew told reporters after the questioning that Sinclair’s funeral will be held later this week, but said he would not provide further details about any further public ceremonies out of respect for Sinclair’s family. .
“His work was groundbreaking.”
“It’s hard to imagine a Canada without Justice Murray Sinclair,” said Setie, commander-in-chief of the Manitoba Kiwatinowi Okimakanak Garrison.
“It’s hard to imagine us continuing to live without him, but he left us with so much to hold on to, and he helped so many of us find truth and reconciliation. “I think it opens the door for us to continue moving forward,” he said.
Setty said he will remember Sinclair as a “quiet but strong leader.”
He added that he was at the university when Sinclair was co-chair. Manitoba’s 1988 Aboriginal Justice Surveyemphasized the need to consider the background of Indigenous offenders when making sentences.
“I remember feeling so proud and inspired that one of our employees was in such a high-profile position,” Sethi said. “He will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders of Indigenous communities.”
As the 10th anniversary of the release of the TRC’s final report approaches, Council of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak said, “Sinclair has helped us shine a light on many of the problems that boarding schools have caused and chart a path forward.” I am grateful for his efforts.” forward. “
She called Sinclair a “trailblazer” who changed the trajectory of Indigenous peoples.
“He was born at a time when Indigenous peoples didn’t have the right to vote, and his work was groundbreaking for Indigenous peoples and Canadians alike,” she said.
Sinclair: “Never forgotten”
Manitoba Chiefs Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said Sinclair was not afraid to speak out, spoke from his heart and was always there to provide guidance.
Sinclair’s death comes nearly two months after the passing of AMC’s late Grand Chief Kathy Merrick.
“We’re going to have to really honor Manitoba and Canada and their legacy for everything they’ve done for us,” Kennedy said.
David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, said he knew Sinclair as a great leader and good friend.
Mr. Sinclair has championed the rights of Indigenous peoples across the country and cemented his position as an influential leader for all Canadians, he said.
“While we will be sad to see him go, his words, actions and presence will never be forgotten,” Chartrand said in a statement.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said Sinclair’s wisdom will continue to guide future generations on the path to reconciliation.
“He once said that he wanted future generations to look at his work and know that he cared,” Gillingham said in a statement. “There’s no question they will, and Winnipeg will always remember Murray Sinclair.”
