VANCOUVER – The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has announced that Senator Murray Sinclair is the recipient of its 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations. Senator Sinclair is being honoured for his distinguished record of public service and work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.
“Senator Murray Sinclair’s work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a shining example of his commitment to Aboriginal people and bringing all Canadians to the forefront and understanding of a national tragedy and injustice. For six years Senator Sinclair travelled to communities across Canada to listen to the stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who were put through Canada’s residential school system. Reconciliation is the key to creating a new relationship, one based on mutual respect and understanding and we are truly humbled to celebrate his life’s work,” said JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB.
Before becoming Chair of the TRC, Murray Sinclair had a distinguished career as a lawyer and then Justice for the Queen’s Bench of Manitoba. He also was a co-commissioner of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, which studied the impact of the criminal justice on Aboriginal peoples in Manitoba and also conducted a six year inquiry into the deaths of 12 children that resulted in a study that led to changes in pediatric heart surgery in Canada. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba and was appointed to the Senate in 2016.
The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations recognizes an individual – Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal -who has contributed, through professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society, making a substantial impact across all sectors, socially, culturally, and politically. It highlights the efforts of people who have been ambassadors in working with Aboriginal peoples and communities.
Senator Murray Sinclair’s entire professional career has been dedicated to helping Aboriginal communities across Canada as well as changing practices and procedures in his home province of Manitoba. His work with the TRC has also had a significant effect in changing the Government of Canada’s approach to Aboriginal peoples and has provided guiding principles to Corporate Canada.
Senator Murray Sinclair will be honoured at CCAB’s 14th Annual Vancouver Gala on September 22, 2016. For more information on the gala please go to https://www.ccab.com/14th-annual-vancouver-gala.
