Murray Sinclair Passes Away

Former Senator Murray Sinclair has passed away at the age of 73.

In a statement, his family said Sinclair, peacefully and surrounded by love, passed away early Monday morning.

Sinclair served as chairman of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015.

He was a judge in Manitoba from 1988 to 2009 and was the first Indigenous judge appointed in the province. He was appointed to the Senate in 2016 and served until 2021.

His children noted the impact of their father’s work reaching far across the country and the world.

“From Residential School Survivors, to law students, to those who sat across from him in a courtroom, he was always known as an exceptional listener who treated everyone with dignity and respect. We know that stories of his kindness, generosity, and fairness will circulate for generations to come.”

In lieu of flowers, and if able, his family is encouraging donations to The Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, saying their dad loved and supported many community organizations, and funds will prioritize Indigenous women, children, families, and Survivors.

A sacred fire to help guide his spirit home has been lit outside the Manitoba Legislative Building, and additional information about public ceremonial events will be available in the coming days.

In the House of Commons, North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney said Sinclair committed his life 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,” she said.