Senator Murray Sinclair – Image Credit: Kent Monkman for Queens University

THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Senator Murray Sinclair, a trailblazer for Indigenous rights and legal reform in Canada, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Known by his Anishinaabe name Mazina Giizhik, “the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky,” Sinclair dedicated his life to advocating for Indigenous communities and reshaping Canada’s approach to justice and reconciliation. From his historic rise to the Manitoba judiciary to his profound role as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Sinclair’s influence extended nationwide, leaving a legacy of respect, fairness, and truth that will resonate for generations.

Rise to the Judiciary in Manitoba

Born on a reserve near Selkirk, Manitoba, Sinclair was raised by his grandparents, who instilled in him the importance of justice and resilience. Sinclair excelled academically, attending the University of Winnipeg and later the University of Manitoba, where he pursued law. In 1988, he …