Trent University Joins the Nation in Mourning Senator Murray Sinclair
Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former senator and champion of Indigenous rights
Trent University joins with Canadians mourning the passing of Murray Sinclair, Mizhana Gheezhik, “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky”, a trailblazer and champion of reconciliation.
An Anishnaabe leader from Manitoba, Justice Sinclair’s legal career focused on Indigenous and human rights and saw him appointed as only the second Indigenous judge in Canada. In 2009, Senator Sinclair was named as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, leading the nation in a truth telling mission culminating in the 94 Calls to Action. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Justice Sinclair to the Senate in 2016.
“Justice Sinclair has made an extraordinary contribution to creating places of dignity, respect and justice for Indigenous peoples in Canada. His impact will be felt for at least seven generations,” reflected David Newhouse, professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.
Remembered by Trent honorary degree recipient, Dr. Cindy Blackstock ’19 (hon), “Murray was always a beacon of justice, of dignity and hope, and was laser focused on the responsibilities that we had to this generation of children, and all the generations to follow.”
The flags atop Bata Library and at the Durham campus will be lowered to half-mast on November 8, 2024, in honour of Justice Sinclair.