(Toronto, Ont.–Nov. 04, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are mourning the loss of former senator and judge Murray Sinclair. He was 73 years old.

“All First Nations across Turtle Island owe a deep debt of gratitude to Murray Sinclair, who spent his life fighting for justice for all First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We have all benefitted from his steadfast commitment to find justice for First Nations in Canada. We have lost a true warrior who will be remembered by all as a hero of our people.”

Sinclair’s early career saw him play a pivotal role in several foundational inquiries into First Nations justice, including as co-commissioner for the three-year Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, which probed the police shooting of First Nations leader J.J. Harper. That inquiry exposed the ongoing systemic racism of Canada’s justice system. Sinclair was also named as Manitoba’s first and Canada’s second Indigenous judge.

Perhaps most notably, Sinclair chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which laid bare the horrors of Indian Residential Schools and led to a national reckoning with Canada’s history of genocide against Indigenous Nations.

“Sinclair and the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action established a path that all Canadians can walk to move forward from our dark history. We can see the impact that he’s had each day that passes,” said Regional Chief Benedict.

Last week, Kimberly Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, released her final report which directly builds upon the foundations laid by Sinclair and the TRC.

“While the loss of Sinclair is truly devastating, it is profound and heartening that he was able to see yet another important milestone in the fight for First Nations justice in this country, with the release of Kimberly Murray’s final report,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We owe it to Sinclair, and all the Survivors of residential schools and their families to continue his fight. The Chiefs of Ontario vow never to forget what he’s done for us and to make sure that no one else does either. We will carry on his name and pursuit of justice.”

There will be a sacred fire on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature in his honour.

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh
Communications Officer
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-522-4518
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org