Murray Sinclair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Murray Sinclair
CC OM MSC
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Murray Sinclair at the Shingwauk 2015 Gathering at Algoma University
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| 15th Chancellor of Queen's University | |
| In office July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024 |
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| Principal | Patrick Deane |
| Preceded by | Jim Leech |
| Succeeded by | Shelagh Rogers |
| Canadian Senator from Manitoba |
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| In office April 2, 2016 – January 31, 2021 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Preceded by | Rod Zimmer |
| Succeeded by | Gigi Osler |
| Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada | |
| In office 2009–2015 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Calvin Murray Sinclair
January 24, 1951 Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada |
| Died | November 4, 2024 (aged 73) Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Political party | Independent Senators Group |
| Spouse | Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence | St. Andrews, Manitoba |
| Alma mater | University of Winnipeg (BA) University of Manitoba (LLB) |
| Awards | Order of Canada Meritorious Service Cross Order of Manitoba |
| Signature |  |
Calvin Murray Sinclair (January 24, 1951 – November 4, 2024) was an important Indigenous leader, lawyer, and politician from Canada. His Ojibway name was Mizanay (Mizhana) Gheezhik. He is best known for leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from 2009 to 2015. This commission looked into the history and impacts of Indian Residential Schools in Canada.
Before this, Murray Sinclair made history as Manitoba's first Indigenous judge, serving from 1988 to 2009. Later, he became a member of the Senate of Canada, which is part of Canada's Parliament, from 2016 until his retirement in 2021. He also served as the Chancellor of Queen's University, a major role at a Canadian university, from 2021 to 2024.
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Early Life and Education
Murray Sinclair was born on January 24, 1951, in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. He grew up on the former St. Peter's Indian Reserve. His mother passed away when he was very young, and he was raised by his grandparents, Jim and Catherine Sinclair.
He was a very bright student and athlete. In 1968, he graduated from high school as the top student (called the valedictorian) and was named Athlete of the Year. He started studying physical education at the University of Manitoba, but he left to care for his grandmother.
Later, he worked at the Selkirk Friendship Centre, helping young people. He also worked for Howard Pawley, who was a politician and lawyer. Murray Sinclair then went back to school. He studied sociology and history at the University of Winnipeg and then law at the University of Manitoba. He graduated from law school in 1979.
As a teenager, he was also an air cadet, showing strong leadership skills. He continued to be involved with the air cadets as an instructor.
Legal and Judicial Career
Murray Sinclair became a lawyer in Manitoba in 1980. He focused on cases involving human rights and Indigenous law. He often represented Indigenous people and taught about Indigenous legal issues at the University of Manitoba.
In 1988, he became the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba. He was appointed as an associate chief judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba. In this role, he co-led a major study called the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. This study looked at the problems between Indigenous people and the justice system in Manitoba. Its findings had a big impact on laws and policies across Canada.
In 2001, he was appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench of Manitoba, becoming the first Indigenous judge on that court as well. He also led another important study into the deaths of children in a heart surgery program in Winnipeg. This report led to important changes in medical care.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
In 2009, Murray Sinclair was asked to chair Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). This was a very important job. The TRC's main goal was to learn and share the truth about Indian Residential Schools in Canada. These schools were places where Indigenous children were forced to go, often taken from their families and communities. The government wanted them to stop speaking their languages and following their cultures, and instead adopt European-Canadian ways.
The TRC held many hearings across Canada, listening to over 6,000 stories from survivors and former staff. In 2015, the commission released a huge report. This report showed that Canada had committed "cultural genocide" by trying to eliminate Indigenous cultures and identities through these schools.
The report also included 94 "Calls to Action." These were recommendations for all parts of Canadian society to work towards reconciliation. Reconciliation means building a more respectful and fair relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Murray Sinclair famously said, "Reconciliation is not an Indigenous problem. It is a Canadian one. It is one in which all Canadians are implicated." He encouraged all Canadians to work towards this goal.
Life After the TRC and Legacy
After the TRC finished its work in 2015, Murray Sinclair retired from being a judge. However, he was soon asked to become a Senator for Manitoba, and he agreed. As a Senator, he continued to work on Indigenous issues. He retired from the Senate in 2021.
From 2021 to 2024, he served as the Chancellor of Queen's University. He also became the Chancellor Emeritus and Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation at the university.
Murray Sinclair was a Fourth Degree Midewiwin member, which is a traditional Ojibway medicine society. His traditional Ojibway name, Mizanay Gheezhik, means "the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky." He had five children.
Murray Sinclair passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 73. His work had a lasting impact on justice and reconciliation in Canada.
Community Involvement
Murray Sinclair was involved in many community groups and organizations throughout his life. He served on boards for groups like Scouts Canada, the John Howard Society, and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. He also worked with organizations focused on Indigenous law and child welfare.
Awards and Honours
Murray Sinclair received many awards and honours for his important work:
- He won the A. J. Christie Prize in law school.
- He received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now Indspire Awards) for Justice in 1994 and for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.
- He was given 20 honorary degrees from universities for his work in Indigenous justice.
- Other awards include the Mahatma Gandhi Prize for Peace, Canada's World Peace Award (2016), the Mandela Award, and the Tarnopolski Award for Human Rights (2017).
- He received the Meritorious Service Cross for his work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- In 2019, he was awarded the Symons Medal for his exceptional contributions to Canadian life.
- He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022 and the Order of Manitoba in 2024, which are very high honours in Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Murray Sinclair para niños
