‘Beam of light that cut through injustice’: Tributes for TRC chair Murray Sinclair

WINNIPEG — Murray Sinclair, a former judge, senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into residential schools, died Monday in Winnipeg. He was 73.

Here are some notable tributes to his life and work:

“The Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life to repairing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. 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.” — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“The Honourable Murray Sinclair always walked into dark places with a flashlight so that we can safely follow. A beam of light that cut through injustice and shows the way to hope.” — Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

“Murray Sinclair’s journey in advocacy broke barriers and inspired countless individuals to pursue reform and justice with courage and determination.” — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

“As a country, we owe him an unpayable debt for his work as a judge, senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, helping lead Canada toward genuine and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a friend and prominent leader in Canada who championed human rights, justice and truth.” — Gov. Gen. Mary Simon

“The penultimate moment of his career was his work as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He approached a process that could have been divisive and instead transformed it into Calls to Action for the future of our country, helping all Canadians to learn to walk together into a future of respect and understanding where we live up to the phrase residential school survivors taught us — Every Child Matters.” — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew

“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.” — Sinclair family statement

“Murray Sinclair brought to light the hard truths of the residential school system, based on survivors’ stories, and showed Canadians the realities we must confront to achieve real reconciliation. Winnipeg and all of Canada owe him a debt of gratitude for guiding us toward these truths and starting this important work.” — Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham

“Murray was a Canadian hero and friend to many who helped to forge a path of respect and honouring of Indigenous stories, and we are all better because of his work.” — Winnipeg member of Parliament Leah Gazan

“His work as the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was groundbreaking and brought Canada’s shameful colonial history into the forefront of the nation. His work was critical to charting the path to healing for many survivors and their families.” — Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2024.

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press