Known for his trailblazing leadership and dedication to Indigenous rights, the Honourable Murray Sinclair, LLD ’19, leaves behind a legacy of profound impact that will guide future activism in Canada.
The Queen’s community is mourning the loss of Chancellor Emeritus and Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation, Sinclair. Anishinaabe leader, former senator, and esteemed lawyer from Manitoba, Sinclair passed away on Nov. 4 in Winnipeg at the age of 73 after a period of illness.
READ MORE: Murray Sinclair installed as Queen’s 15th Chancellor
Sinclair, a father of five and the University’s 15th Chancellor, made history as the first Indigenous Chancellor of Queen’s, serving from 2021 to 2024. His distinguished career in governance and law included serving as a justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba in 2001. He led Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015 and served as Senator in the Senate of Canada from 2016 to 2021.
During his time as chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he visited more than 300 communities and spoke to over 7,000 Indigenous individuals over six years. The Commission ultimately concluded that Canada had committed acts of “cultural genocide,” as reported by CBC.
“Queen’s was uniquely honoured when Chancellor Sinclair agreed to take on the position, and we have benefited enormously from his wisdom and commitment,” Principal Patrick Deane told the Queen’s Gazette. “We will miss him for that, as well as for his wonderful personal warmth and good humour. He was a great man, fiercely principled yet profoundly humane.”
Regarded as one of Canada’s most influential advocates for Indigenous rights, Sinclair’s dedication to equity and inclusion has “transformed the country’s political landscape for the better,” according to the Gazette.
Sinclair received the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest honours, for dedicating his life to championing Indigenous peoples’ rights and freedoms.
In a statement on X, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau echoed feelings of grief and loss for Sinclair while commending his continued advocacy for the right of education of Indigenous students.
“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,” Trudeau posted on X.
At Queen’s, Sinclair transformed the landscape of reconciliation by reviewing University practices, policies, and procedures. He provided thoughtful guidance for key initiatives, including the University’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities.
After completing his term as Chancellor, Sinclair took on the role of Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation. In July 2024, award-winning journalist and close friend Shelagh Rogers succeeded Sinclair as Chancellor. Rogers is committed to honouring Sinclair’s legacy by advancing the important work he began, building on the foundations he laid at Queen’s University.
A sacred fire has been lit at the Manitoba Legislative Building to honour Sinclair. The family has asked for donations to The Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation in lieu of flowers.
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chancellor, Murray Sinclair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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