The nation of Canada is mourning the death of former senator, judge, and indigenous people's advocate Murray Sinclair. He was 73.
Sinclair played a prominent role in Canadian history as the leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which studied the controversial residential schools that assimilated indigenous children into Western culture.
Prime minister Justin Trudeau credited Sinclair with shining a light on the "darkest parts of our history."
"He challenged us to confront the darkest parts of our history -- because he believed we could learn from them, and be better for it," Trudeau wrote.
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… pic.twitter.com/6MblQg9fTg
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 4, 2024
Born on an Indian reserve in Manitoba, Sinclair studied law and became the first indigenous judge in the province.
As leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Sinclair released the bombshell report in 2015 that concluded Canada inflicted a "cultural genocide" on indigenous tribes through the residential school system.
The network of government-run boarding schools, operating for over a century until 1996, converted indigenous children to Christianity and forced them to abandon their native tongues for English and French.
"Education is the key to reconciliation," Sinclair said. "Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it."
After the Truth and Reconciliation Commission dissolved in 2015, Sinclair was appointed a senator for Manitoba the following year. He retired in 2021.
Over the course of his life, Sinclair received many honors for his indigenous advocacy, including the Meritorious Service Cross. Sinclair recently released a memoir in which he urged Canada to take accountability for its past.
"We know that making things better will not happen overnight. It will take generations. That's how the damage was created and that's how the damage will be fixed," Sinclair wrote.
After years of declining health, the father of five died peacefully at a hospital in Winnipeg on Monday, his family said.
"Mazina Giizhik (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky) committed his life in service to the people: creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness throughout his career," his family said in a statement, referring to Sinclair by his native name.
