The Honourable Murray-ban Sinclair, a renowned advocate and trailblazer for Indigenous justice and education passed away Monday, November 4, 2024. To honour this inspirational and highly influential politician, judge, Senator, and the Chief Commissioner of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission which provided the 94 Calls to Action, all school flags will be lowered to half-mast for four days to honour Anishinabek protocol.
Murray-ban devoted his life to ensuring that Indigenous truths, perspectives, and histories were heard. He believed that education was critical to paving the way for generations of people to learn from our collective history, and to do better. It was a gift to listen and experience his brilliance, wisdom, and kindness, and his passing is felt all across Turtle Island.
Murray-ban Sinclair, in reference to the 94 Calls to Action said,
“We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”
He recognized that important conversations have started across Canadian schools, but we must continue learning and working towards understanding the truth of what is now known as Canada and taking action towards Truth and Reconciliation.
After retiring from the Senate in 2021, His Honour served as the 15th Chancellor of Queen's University from 2021to June 30, 2024, when his appointment ended. He was the first Indigenous person to serve in the role.
This CBC article provides additional accomplishments:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/murray-sinclair-death-1.7372862
A sacred fire has been lit in his honour on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building. The family has asked that additional sacred fires are not lit across the country so that there is only one. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those who are able to donate to The Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. Their father loved and supported many community organizations, and donations will prioritize Indigenous women, children, families, and Survivors.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and community at this time.
Senator Murray Sinclair - Image Credit: Kent Monkman for Queens University