Social purpose leaders mourn death of The Honourable Murray Sinclair

Condolences poured forth from social purpose leaders this week after the death of one of Canada’s most influential and respected Indigenous leaders.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair died at a Winnipeg hospital Monday morning, only a few months after the death of his wife, Katherine Morrisseau-Sinclair, who died in June.

“Mazina Giizhik (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky) committed his life in service to the people: creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness throughout his career,” reads a statement from his family.

“The impact of our dad’s work reached far across the country and the world. 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.”

Since his passing, members of the social purpose sector have been posting tributes to Sinclair’s extraordinary work, life and kindness. Here are just a few:

Jane Rabinowicz, CEO & President, McConnell

We have lost a giant. Moments like these call us to reflect on what is truly important and to recenter our efforts on work that will honour Senator Sinclair’s teachings and legacy for many years to come. As a human being and in my leadership, the attributes I saw in Senator Sinclair that I hope to embody are his humanity, his perseverance, and his role as a powerful bridge-builder.

Sky Bridges, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation

We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the Honorable Murray Sinclair. His work and dedication to our country and communities is truly immeasurable and will continue to have a lasting impact for generations to come. We are ever grateful to him allowing us to go inward to heal and come together on our path in truth and reconciliation.

Mohammed Hashim, Executive Director, Canadian Race Relations Foundation

An eagle feather has two sides, that provide us with guidance on how we must hold relationships. On one side, you have truth and on the other we have kindness. 

When speaking with people, we shouldn’t be overly kind, because we give them a pass. And on the other side if you lay down harsh truth after truth, the other person tunes out. We have to strive to speak to people in a way that is productive. Mudslinging and guilt, giving free passes never works for anyone to reconcile. 

I learnt this from my dear friend Bob Watts, and it’s a teaching I think of often. 

As I learnt of Murray Sinclair’s passing, I thought of this teaching today because that’s the way he spoke to us, as a nation. And he laid bare the truths we denied, and gave a path with kindness for us to walk on for us to manifest reconciliation. 

Thank you for so much sir.

Diane Roussin, Project Director, The Winnipeg Boldness Project

As a First Nations woman dedicated to bettering the lives of children and families, I viewed Sinclair as a mentor and a trail blazer. He truly paved the way for myself and others to be able to do the important work that is needed to rebuild our culture and our people. He will be greatly missed though his legacy will endure as we continue his work. He has shown us the mountain and we must climb it.

Tim Fox, VP, Indigenous Relations and Equity Strategy, Calgary Foundation

On Oct. 28, I was invited to deliver a presentation on one of the very first workshops I had created in my early years of this work focusing on the impacts of Intergenerational trauma. The presentation was to the Spark Science Centre staff, and I was presenting in the dome theatre. Last night, I had this thought, as I reflected like so many across the country on this incredible loss: That was the first time I had ever seen that slide deck on such a huge screen and to that many people at one time.

Then these words came to me, “As the screens get bigger, so does the audience, and ultimately behaviours.” I left this part out of my public-facing post, so I’ll share it here, “You’ve done all you could do, with so much love, and so much wisdom. You’ve created a generation of changemakers who are inspired by your legacy. And because of you, we are prepared. You can rest now, Murray. We’ve got you. Hand to heart.”   

Andrea Barrack, Senior VP, Sustainability and Impact, RBC

The influence of the Honourable Murray Sinclair is potentially infinite, as he has truly shifted the conversation on reconciliation that parents have with their kids, that educators have with their students, that leaders have with their teams.  It’s a message that has the potential to continue to amplify across generations – as its resonance is grounded in our shared humanity.

Jessica Tomlin, Co-CEO, Equality Fund

I have learned much about leadership by watching the late Honourable Sinclair, someone who put humanity at the centre of all of his interactions. There was always a deep truthfulness and grace in how he walked through life. His impact in this lifetime, while measurable and transformative, was especially in how we felt as we listened to and learned from him.

Jean-Marc Mangin, CEO, Philanthropic Foundations Canada

Murray Sinclair was a trailblazer who helped all of us confront the darkest and most painful chapters of our origin story, and who shaped a hopeful and rights-based way forward with the TRC 94 Calls to Action. His generosity of spirit and love for the land and all the peoples sharing it was a blessing for all of us. Let’s embrace his legacy as we build a shared and just future.

Jeff Dyer, CEO, Trellis Society

History is made by those who can imagine a future that others cannot see. They tell us who we can be and are becoming, but must do so in light of truth, especially in the face of Canada’s journey of Truth and Reconciliation. The Honourable Murray Sinclair bravely led us to begin that walk together, helping us all become what we would never have on our own. Our walk is nowhere near done, but we will move forward by following his inspirational lead and by listening to his wisdom echo in our hearts forever.

Danya Pastuszek, Co-CEO, Tamarack Institute

Since coming to these lands in 2015 and beginning to learn about Honourable Murray Sinclair’s vision, legacy and way of being, I’ve been deeply shaped by his commitment to hold the vision of reconciliation and justice – and work toward it relentlessly, collaboratively, and with love. Of his call to do what we can do in every moment toward this vision. Today is November 6, 2024, and I believe his legacy must ground us more than ever in the years ahead.

Michelle Chawla, CEO, Canada Council for the Arts

The Canada Council for the Arts and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) are deeply saddened by the passing of Anishinaabe leader Murray Sinclair on November 4, 2024. Murray Sinclair’s profound and lasting legacy as a devoted public servant and champion of Indigenous rights will forever be remembered.

As co-chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair’s visionary work laid out a road map for greater collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, fostering a spirit of reconciliation. His efforts significantly strengthened the support for Indigenous peoples’ rights to celebrate, own, and control their artistic and cultural heritage.

The Council is profoundly grateful for Murray Sinclair’s positive impact on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists. His dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the arts community and beyond. We honour his memory and continue to be inspired by his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Barbara Cartwright, CEO, Humane Canada

Murray Sinclair is an inspiration on many, many levels. For the past few years – it is his words I use in my presentations that speak of One Health/One Welfare which is a recent expression of the ancient wisdom of Indigenous Peoples sometimes known as “All My Relations”. It is his courage as a listener and an elder that advanced Reconciliation in Canada, calling us all into the circle. Let’s continue to follow the path he illuminated for us. Thank you Senator Sinclair – it was an honour to work alongside you in your effort to better protect and care for animals through legislation and too short of a time.

Kate Higgins, Cooperation Canada

The Honourable Murray Sinclair leaves an immense legacy.  His leadership, including of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has provided guidance on actions we must take to address the deep oppression and injustices that Indigenous people have faced through colonization, and to work towards a better future.  At Cooperation Canada, and in international cooperation, we have much work to do. Murray Sinclair’s incredible work and legacy must inspire and guide our path forward.

Eric St-Pierre, Trottier Foundation

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Murray Sinclair, whose extraordinary legacy of public service and leadership profoundly shaped our nation. Through his work as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he illuminated the painful truths of our past and guided us toward a path of understanding and healing. His vision and courage have left an enduring mark on the country, inspiring us to continue the journey of reconciliation he so powerfully championed.  

On a personal level, I briefly interacted with Justice Sinclair in 2009 when, as a law student, I wrote honours thesis on international models of reconciliation and legal regimes that could be applied to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Justice Sinclair’s guidance had a profound impact on my own work, as he did countless others. He leaves a lasting impact on the lives of all those he touched and on the country as a whole.

Aline Nizigama, CEO, YWCA Canada

A big voice, a great heart, and a bright light is now with the Ancestors. I remember listening to Senator Sinclair speak with lightness and clarity at an event in 2012. There was a before and after that moment for me in my own journey to understand the history of Canada and its enduring impacts on First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities. One of the teachings was that « we are all Treaty people ». Words to live by.

Ajmal Sataar, CEO, Small Economy Works

Senator Sinclair’s leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and his advocacy for Indigenous rights have left a profound impact on me and our whole team at Small Economy Works. He offered hope for unity and a concrete path toward brighter, more just futures for Indigenous youth. His life’s work illuminated a journey rooted in integrity and education, embodying what reconciliation could be. With his passing, we must now ask ourselves how we will continue walking this path together, carrying forward his vision of a future built on respect and reciprocity.

Janine Manning, Executive Team Lead, Indigenous People’s Resilience Fund

Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) mourns the passing of Mizhana Gheezhik (The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky). His trailblazing work as Chief Commission of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission led the way to The Declaration of Action, a document that embeds reconciliation in philanthropy, the beginning of IPRF’s creation story. 

We extend heartfelt condolences to Honourable Murray Sinclair’s family, friends and community of Peguis First Nation. His western legal expertise balanced with his Indigenous teachings broke barriers and created pathways for healing that will continue for generations. 

We recognize him as our ancestor whose legacy will live on and inspire generation to come in the reconciliation work we do as both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to build mutual respect and reciprocal relationships.

Shannon Metatawabin, CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association

Today, we say goodbye to Murray Sinclair. He was a great man I met a couple of times, and both times, I learned a great deal. He has been a pillar of our community. He took on the huge task of delivering on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The stories he had to shoulder, the pain he had to absorb from survivors who finally felt heard. We will miss you. Kinanskoomatin.

Susan Tighe, Provost, McMaster University

In recognition of the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, I share these words from the Indigenous Education Council at McMaster University:

“The Indigenous community at McMaster mourns the passing of Mazina Giizhik, Honourable Murray Sinclair. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who love him. May his legacy live on as we continue to do our work for our people and nations with the respect and dignity he modelled for us through his life.”

Murray Sinclair’s dedication to reconciliation and justice has profoundly impacted the McMaster community, inspiring us to carry forward his vision in our own commitments to learning and truth.

Michelle van Beusekom, President & CEO, Knowledge Network

RIP Murray Sinclair. Immense gratitude for being on the right side of history, for speaking the truth and for literally changing the world we live in.

Trish Masenda Mandewo, Founder & CEO, Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, the esteemed Anishinaabe judge, senator, and university chancellor who reshaped Canada’s legal system and guided our nation towards reconciliation.

It was a true privilege to have moderated a session he was part of, witnessing firsthand his wisdom and unwavering commitment to justice and equity. May he rest in eternal peace. May his legacy continue to inspire us to walk the path of truth and reconciliation for generations to come. 

Prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.

Joanna Kerr, President & CEO, MakeWay

I remember I had returned back to Canada after working globally, only to first really hear and read the work of Murray Sinclair. His reports floored me. They shined light on such despicable truths with such courage of conviction. They heavily influenced the work I do today. A patient truth-teller and interpreter for settler society to awaken in this country.  A transformational leader.  An open-hearted warrior. And a voice for so many. I’m so sad he has left us.

Dakota Stone, Director, Indigenous Health, BC Emergency Health Services

Saddened by the passing of Murray Sinclair. He was a courageous leader who sat with countless survivors, listening to the truths of their residential school experiences. His work has set us on a path toward genuine reconciliation, inspiring us to move from words to action.

I’m deeply grateful for his service and will continue to work towards “reconcili-action” within my organization, hoping to make this commitment contagious among many others. May his legacy drive us forward.

Lakshmi Lochan, Senior Advisory, Reconciliation and Equity Strategies, BC Housing

I join many voices today in conveying my heartfelt condolences to the Honourable Murray Sinclair’s family, friends, and community. I pray for steadiness and comfort in their grief. His passing is felt by many, and so too is the legacy of his life’s work on the direction, fabric, and conscience of our society.

In his own words, “We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.” May we all continue to answer the call.

Christina Cook, BC First Nations Justice Council

It is such a loss for the entire country with the passing of Murray Sinclair, I am so sad for his family and so grateful to him for his sacrifices and services for the betterment of our entire nation.

My Dad grew up (with) Murray Sinclair in Selkirk and he was the only Indigenous lawyer I was aware of as a child. When I was in undergrad and I told him I wanted to go to law school, he said “Do it! We need more Aboriginal lawyers and judges.”

His encouragement always meant the world to me.

Tobacco down for your tonight, and prayers for your family Hon. Murray Sinclair.

Wanda Brascoupe, Co-Founder, Indigenous Philanthropy Advisors

I feel deeply honored to have met him a few times—moments that left a lasting impact on me.

At the beginning of October, he released his book, “Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation”—another gift he has left for all of us. I urge everyone to read or listen to it. His words are gripping, humorous, raw, and steeped in the truth, inviting us into the discomfort needed for genuine reconciliation. This work is a testament to the dignity he brought to his life and that we should strive to emulate in ours.

In his honor, I will continue to speak the truth of Indigenous brilliance and abundance in our communities—with dignity, just as he encouraged.

Ian Capstick, chief Impact Officer, Animikii

After several drafts and countless deleted attempts, I find myself here – staring at a blank post. Sometimes the most authentic thing we can share is that we’re mostly at a loss for words. Murray Sinclair was a sheer force of will. It was humbling to be in his presense and I was in constant awe of his ability to hold so much knowledge. We are all better off for having him teach us, and I am forever grateful to have been a student.

Andrea Nemtin, CEO, SI Canada

I am sharing the sad news of the passing of Honourable Murray Sinclair, a wonderful man whom I am so grateful to have known. One of the kindest, smartest, and most inspiring people I have had the honour to meet. I will be taking some time to remember our breakfasts together and his generosity of spirit, which was matched only by his determination to make things better. His legacy will be felt for generations to come. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Karlee Silver, CEO, Grand Challenges Canada

There are few in this world with the courage to enter systems that don’t welcome them and change them for the better. There are few with the grounding to remember what is already known and combine Knowledges to redefine the collective ambition. Honourable Murray Sinclair is wise amongst the few. Canadians are richer for his being.

Michael Richardson, President and CEO, United Way Winnipeg

Our hearts are with Murray Sinclair’s family, friends, and loved ones. Many communities have lost a deeply passionate leader and advocate of transformative healing and change.

We were honoured to work with Murray Sinclair on ‘Journey Forward’ more than 20 years ago. The ‘Journey Forward’ process and document were formative in guiding and enriching our collaboration with Indigenous communities. We were also grateful to have him bring opening remarks at our 2013 exhibit of 100 Years of Loss—the Residential School System in Canada, a bilingual display featuring collections from the Legacy of Hope Foundation.

Under his leadership, the TRC released 94 Calls to Action that are currently reshaping Canada. Murray Sinclair made it clear that living out the Calls is everyone’s responsibility, and while it requires considerable work, it is important to the healing of our country. As he said, “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the way to the top. We call on you to do the climbing.”

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