Honouring the Legacy of Murray Sinclair: A Champion for Truth and Reconciliation

The University of Victoria joins communities across Canada in mourning the loss of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, former Senator, who passed away earlier today in Winnipeg, MB. 

Senator Sinclair’s contributions to Canada are profound, with his leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history. As chair, he helped open a path toward healing, reconciliation and understanding. His legacy extends beyond this role to include his involvement in critical inquiries, such as the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Phoenix Sinclair Inquest, and the review of policing in Thunder Bay, Ontario. 

Known for his sense of wit, empathy and ability to listen, Murray was a person the country turned to in times of need. With profound conviction, he served all Canadians, often at significant personal cost, driven by a vision for a country founded on respect, human rights, fairness, equity, and justice. His leadership of the Commission broke new ground in Canada, shattering silence on residential schools and amplifying Survivor accounts of the devastating impacts these institutions had on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families. He, together with the other Commissioners, gifted the country with 94 Calls to Action and 10 Principles of Reconciliation – roadmaps for reconciliation that have inspired countless individuals, institutions and communities to reflect, change and move forward together. 
Ry Moran, Associate University Librarian, Reconciliation 

Vice-President Indigenous, Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas, echoes Moran’s sentiment: "Murray Sinclair’s belief in truth-telling and the capacity for transformative change knew no bounds. He was a warrior for our people, one who understood the importance of balancing justice with compassion and wisdom. He reminded us of our strength and the power of our stories, our knowledge and our laws. His legacy is now ours to carry forward, and we have a responsibility to honour his vision by building bridges of understanding, respect and unity."

In honour of Senator Sinclair’s passing, UVic will lower the Survivors' Flag to half-mast on campus for a four-day period. The remaining campus flags will be lowered to half-mast on the day of his memorial, in remembrance of his profound contributions. His work is a legacy and a responsibility, one that UVic is committed to upholding in accordance with the Sk̓ʷes | TŦE SKÁLs I, TŦE Ś,X̱ENAṈs | The Laws and Philosophies that we have received from local Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members. Today, we remember an extraordinary leader and honour his vision and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, community and all those who were inspired by his remarkable life and work.