A sacred fire has been lit outside the Manitoba Legislature in the Anishinaabe tradition following the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair Monday morning.
Flags are also flying at half mast in his honour. Sinclair died in Winnipeg surrounded by family. He was 73.
His family issued a statement on his passing this morning and welcomed everyone to visit his sacred fire to make an offering of tobacco and send him best wishes.
“The impact of our dad’s work reached 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.”
The family also asked out of respect for his journey for the next few days, that others across the country do not light any other fires for him.
They’re urging people who may want to send flowers to instead donate to The Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation.
The family said Sinclair loved and supported many community organizations and the funds will prioritize Indigenous women, children, families, and Survivors.
Sinclair leaves behind five children and several grandchildren. Additional information about public ceremonial events is expected to be available in the coming days.
‘With his passing, Canada has lost a giant:’ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Meanwhile, tributes to Sinclair have been rolling in nationwide, including a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“The Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life to repairing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. As the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he challenged us to confront the darkest parts of our history—because he believed we could learn from them and be better for it.”
“With his passing, Canada has lost a giant—a brilliant legal mind, a champion of Indigenous rights, and a trusted leader on our journey of Reconciliation. We will miss him dearly,” Trudeau’s statement said.
We are devastated to learn of the loss of our beloved leader and Elder, Mizana Giizhik, His Honour, Murray Sinclair. His tireless work to advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensure the legacy of residential school Survivors will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/OhqHzBAZ80
— NCTR (@NCTR_UM) November 4, 2024
Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society also tweeted:
“The Honourable Murray Sinclair always walked into dark places with a flashlight so that we can safely follow. A beam of light that cut through injustice and shows the way to hope. Sending prayers and gratitude to his loving family,” Blackstock tweeted.
Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, Glenn Joyal, called Sinclair a historic and exemplary figure, “Who inspired and challenged a generation of Canadians. His impact was, and will remain monumental.”
“I don’t believe that description is an exaggeration. His contributions, when you think about them, were not just professional, but they were profoundly national. And unlike anyone else, he brought the concept of reconciliation into national consciousness. And he did so while speaking with moral strength about moral imperatives-things that needed to be done,”Joyal said.
“At the same time, he always remained humble. But he was unwavering and uncompromising in his assessment of what was required of Canadians and Canada’s institutions.”
Governor General Mary Simon said in a statement she and her husband join all Canadians in mourning the passing of Sinclair.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a friend and prominent leader in Canada who championed human rights, justice and truth,” Simon said. “Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation, Senator Sinclair was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and the second appointed in Canada.
“He leaves behind an invaluable legacy of bringing to light the stories of thousands of Residential Schools Survivors. In 2022, I had the privilege to invest Senator Sinclair as Companion of the Order of Canada for his life’s work. A kind, wise and generous soul, he had an exceptional ability to inspire people and to touch hearts.”
The University of Manitoba also issued a statement from Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law.
“Justice Murray Sinclair’s legacy within the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba has shaped our understanding of law as a living force for transformation, healing, and justice,” the statement said. “He exposed the complicity of institutions and government in atrocities against Indigenous communities and Nations, and fostered the possibilities of new relationships, shared healing and sovereign partnerships. He spoke as family, as a leader, and with guidance and hope.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs also issued a statement saying Sinclair’s lifelong dedication to justice, truth, and the advocacy of Indigenous rights has made him an icon of strength and resilience within our nations.
“His work sparked critical conversations and reforms that continue to resonate deeply with First Nations and Canadians alike,” the statement said.
In 2016, Sinclair was appointed to the Canadian Senate, where he championed justice and equality, amplifying Indigenous voices in spaces where they were historically underrepresented.
His leadership extended into his role as the 15th Chancellor of Queen’s University and as General Counsel at Cochrane Saxberg LLP, Manitoba’s largest Indigenous law firm.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a hero whose vision and leadership continue to guide us forward. The Honourable Murray Sinclair’s tireless commitment to justice and truth has left a permanent mark on our nations and communities, and we carry his light as we strive for the betterment of our Nations,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.
The AMC also said that, “Murray Sinclair’s journey in advocacy broke barriers and inspired countless individuals to pursue reform and justice with courage and determination and his teachings will continue to inspire future generations, and his voice—will echo through his monumental contributions.”
Murray Sinclair was a great Canadian, a great Manitoban, a great Anishinaabe.
His career stands as a legacy of public service and a deep commitment to truth, fairness and dignity for all people.
He was the first Indigenous person to be named to the Manitoba provincial court… pic.twitter.com/bmMfOmMZ7s
— Wab Kinew (@WabKinew) November 4, 2024
The Inuit Tapariit Kanatami (ITK) said Sinclair “oversaw a painful but necessary era in the evolution of relations between Canada and First Peoples.”
“Today we mourn the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, a former judge, senator, and Anishnaabe member of the Peguis First Nation,” the ITK said.
“He was committed to uncovering the full truth of Canada’s shameful residential school system and was ever hopeful that those truths might help to foster reconciliation between Canadians and Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples. Inuit are grateful for his unwavering leadership, wisdom and advocacy.”
Sinclair’s wife, Katherine Sinclair, died on June 27, this year at the age of 69. The AMC said it finds comfort in knowing they are reunited once more.
