Murray Sinclair, former Canadian senator and head of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, dies at 73

Former senator Murray Sinclair, who served as the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, died Nov. 4.

He was 73.

Sinclair’s family announced his early-morning death via a statement on social media.

“Peacefully and surrounded by love, The Honorable Murray Sinclair passed away early this morning, Monday, November 4, 2024,” the statement said.

Sinclair, who was a member of Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, had the Indigenous name Mazina Giizhik (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky).

The family statement said Sinclair “committed his life in service to the people: creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness throughout his career.”

Sinclair, a lawyer, was the head of the country’s truth and reconciliation commission from 2009 through 2015.

“The impact of our dad’s work reached far across the country and the world,” the statement added. “From Residential School Survivors, to law students, to those who sat across from him in a courtroom, he was always known as an exceptional listener who treated everyone with dignity and respect. We know that stories of his kindness, generosity, and fairness will circulate for generations to come.”

News that Sinclair was not well surfaced online on Oct. 26 when family members shared some details of his failing health.

Last month’s statement stated that Sinclair had been in hospital for a few months.

“As of a week ago, his health has taken a turn and he remains in serious and unstable condition in the ICU in Winnipeg,” the statement said. “For the past week his children and grandchildren have gathered to be with him and we remain by his side 24 hours a day.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had appointed Sinclair to the Canadian senate in April of 2016. He retired from the senate in early 2021.

Trudeau also released a statement following the news of Sinclair’s death.

“The Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life to repairing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples,” it said. “As the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he challenged us to confront the darkest parts of our history — because he believed we could learn from them, and be better for it. 

“He listened to residential school survivors, and he made sure Canada heard their stories. He advocated for the right of Indigenous students to go to school in their language and culture. And he was kind, patient, and understanding to people like me, who had a lot to learn.”

Trudeau’s also said that Sinclair had stated “education got us into this mess (and) that education will get us out.”

Trudeau’s statement also concluded the significance of Sinclair’s death.

“With his passing, Canada has lost a giant — a brilliant legal mind, a champion of Indigenous rights, and a trusted leader on our journey of Reconciliation,” he said. 

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak also issued a statement about Sinclair.

"First Nations from coast to coast to coast are in mourning," she said.  “We are all devastated by the loss of Justice Sinclair. He was not only a tremendous advocate for the rights of First Nations and all Indigenous Peoples, but also a transformational force in the pursuit of reconciliation.

"It was Justice Sinclair’s leadership that has brought us this far along in the reconciliation journey, and his example will continue to inspire this work for generations to come. His work as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was groundbreaking and brought Canada’s shameful colonial history into the forefront of the nation. The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action have acted as guiding principles for legislation, funding, policies and procedures that will help to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians."

Jody Wilson Raybould, a member of We Wai Kai Nation in B.C. who is a lawyer, author and former politician, shared her thoughts on Sinclair’s death on X (formerly Twitter).

“Oh my … such incredibly sad news,” she said. “Sending my love & prayers to his family. Murray was a mentor, friend, and colleague - I will always cherish his wisdom & celebrate his distinct contributions to Indigenous peoples and to Canada.”