UCalgary mourns passing of Justice Murray Sinclair

The University of Calgary community is deeply saddened by the loss of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, who passed away on Nov. 4, 2024.

Justice Sinclair, the Anishinaabe senator and former judge best known for chairing Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by UCalgary in 2017. Sinclair’s wisdom continues to guide the campus community through the ii' taa'poh'to'p Indigenous Strategy.

“Justice Sinclair famously said education was the key to reconciliation, and we follow that vision of learning with respect and gratitude,” said UCalgary President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley.

“UCalgary is committed to teaching the truths shared by Indigenous peoples and placing meaningful reconciliation at the heart of what we do.

“It was Justice Sinclair who started Canadians on this path to a shared future, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, all who knew him, and those whose lives he touched.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which focused on the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system, issued 94 calls to action aimed at promoting reconciliation and forgiveness, while dealing with problems in areas like health and education.

“The Truth and Reconciliation report was a fundamental document supporting our strategy,” said Dr. Michael Hart, UCalgary’s vice-provost (Indigenous engagement).

“The Elders noted that they understand the report to note that Indigenous people will lead in sharing the truth, which it is the responsibility of Canada and institutions like the university to lead in reconciliation efforts. The university has relied on the wisdom of Justice Sinclair to guide our efforts to embark on a journey of parallel paths and share in ethical space.”

Sinclair was born just north of Selkirk, Manitoba, and was raised by his grandparents as a member of the Peguis First Nation. A skilled athlete, he went on to study law, and became that province’s first Indigenous judge.

In 2016, one year after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its report, Sinclair was appointed to the Canadian Senate. The following spring, he was granted honorary degree Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, at the University of Calgary.

“Eminent Chancellor, I present to you Mizanay Gheezhik, The Honourable Senator Murray Sinclair, whose work in the study and practice of law has lifted up the lives of neglected children, of those whose voices are unheard, and of the very conscience of this land and its people,” read University Orator Dr. Patrick Finn, PhD, that day.

“His professional attributes are of the highest order, but are outpaced by a lifetime of contributions to social justice, built from his ability to see pictures in the sky, and the fortitude needed to walk the hard road on a quest for genuine change. He arrives here today, a man who has taken no shortcuts. On behalf of the Senate, and the University of Calgary, I invite you to invest him with the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.”