Murray Sinclair: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Rights in Canada Passes Away at 73

Murray Sinclair, a pivotal figure in addressing past injustices towards Indigenous peoples in Canada, died from a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and reform.

Murray Sinclair, a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba, passed away on November 4 at the age of 73, as confirmed by his family. His struggle with illness prevented him from attending the launch of his memoir, “Who We Are,” released in September. Sinclair garnered national attention for his role as the lead commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from 2009 to 2015, a body formed to investigate the harrowing history of residential schools that forcibly educated Indigenous children in Canada.

Through testimony from over 6,500 individuals, the commission described the school system as "cultural genocide," revealing that more than 3,200 students perished due to maltreatment, neglect, or accidents—an estimate that Sinclair later suggested could exceed 10,000 deaths as further inquiries continued. Established in 2008 following a class-action lawsuit against the government and churches managing the schools, the commission aimed to uncover the dark past and promote reconciliation efforts throughout the nation. Initially embroiled in leadership conflicts, Sinclair's ascension to lead the commission marked a crucial turning point. His efforts not only documented the stories of survivors but also advocated for a meaningful dialogue among Canadians regarding the historical and ongoing treatment of Indigenous peoples.