
Murray Sinclair will be moving on from his current position as Queen’s Chancellor to assume a role as an advisor.
Sinclair’s term will conclude on June 30, and he has opted not to pursue reappointment. Sinclair will continue in a special advisory role.
When his term began in 2021, Sinclair became the University’s 15th Chancellor, and as a member of Peguis First Nation, the first Indigenous person appointed Chancellor at Queen’s. Hailing from Manitoba, Sinclair was a lawyer by occupation. He didn’t move to Kingston and predominantly performed his role virtually.
Before assuming his role at Queen’s, Sinclair led Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and served as Senator in the Senate of Canada from 2016 to 2021.
Sinclair has played a role in advancing truth and reconciliation at Queen’s, Stephanie Simpson, vice-principal (culture, equity, and inclusion) said. He has advised the University on several initiatives boosting the visibility and inclusion of Indigenous people on campus, a notable example being the Moose Hide campaign.
Sinclair assisted in reviewing Queen’s practices, policies, and procedures on Indigenous identity and reconciliation, according to a press release. Having received an honourary doctorate from Queen’s in 2019, Sinclair holds honourary doctorates from 14 universities.
The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head and highest officer of the University. The role involves presiding over convocations, conferring degrees, and chairing the annual meetings of the University Council and Board of Trustees.
Principal Patrick Deane credits Sinclair with advancing the Canadian landscape for Indigenous people.
“I am grateful that his Honour has agreed to keep working with Queen’s even after he steps down from his role as Chancellor in a new capacity as Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation,” Deane said in a press release.
Tags
chancellor, Indigenous, Leadership, Murray Sinclair
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