THUNDER BAY, ON: On behalf of the leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler expresses heartfelt condolences on the passing of the Hon. Justice Murray Sinclair:
“We are terribly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend this morning. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, Peguis First Nation, and friends and colleagues across Turtle Island. May the Creator guide him as he begins his Spirit Journey.
Murray was a tremendously accomplished and inspirational leader, and his voice and vision will be greatly missed. His leadership at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ensured that thousands of Indian Residential School Survivors received the justice they deserved and helped re-balance the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. His accomplishments as a scholar, judge, and Senator are marked with countless awards and recognition and inspired many Indigenous people to pursue their education and be the best they can be.
One of the greatest insights he shared is that reconciliation is not a task to be done by Survivors. True reconciliation, he said, must include institutional change, as ‘Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain – we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just, and it is also necessary.’
Reconciliation, he taught us, is ours to achieve. The work ahead of us is difficult, but we share his belief that we owe it to each other to build a country based on a shared future of healing and trust. Murray encouraged us to walk the path towards reconciliation. Accepting this responsibility is a fitting way to honour his legacy.”
Mizhana Gheezhik (The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky) fought for Indigenous Peoples with distinction and honour and forced Canadians to acknowledge this country’s injustices towards Indigenous people while holding the Government of Canada accountable.
In addition to his outstanding work in the judiciary and nationally, Sinclair was appointed by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission to investigate concerns about the Thunder Bay Police Services Board in 2017. His investigation uncovered systemic racism and validated long-standing concerns held by the Indigenous members of the Thunder Bay community.
His wisdom and knowledge inspired many young people from across NAN territory. Over the years, he has taken time to engage with NAN youth and facilitated opportunities for them to develop relationships with the Government of Canada.
