A Tribute to the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair: Champion of Justice and Reconciliation

With deep respect and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik (One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), who passed away on November 4, 2024. Mazina Giizhik’s legacy extends across generations, communities, and sectors, leaving an indelible impact on Indigenous rights, justice reform, and reconciliation in Canada.

The Canada flag (at Flag Pole Plaza) and the BC, Musqueam, and UBC flags on the UBC Vancouver campus, and the Canada, BC, Okanagan Nation Alliance and UBC flags at UBC Okanagan were lowered from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, November 10, 2024 for the national commemorative ceremony held in memory of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, C.C., O.M., M.S.C.

Born on St. Peter’s Indian Reserve near Selkirk, Manitoba in 1951, Justice Sinclair rose from challenging beginnings and a childhood marked by racism to become a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights and justice. As one of Canada’s first Indigenous lawyers, he specialized in representing Indigenous communities in land claims and criminal defense. His early career experiences exposed him to the harsh realities of systemic racism, including being mistaken by a judge as the accused rather than the advocate. These encounters inspired him to publicly confront injustices within the legal system, advocating tirelessly for Indigenous rights and the fair treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Justice Sinclair was Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, and Canada’s second. Over his distinguished career, he tirelessly advocated for Indigenous communities, fought systemic racism, and built vital bridges between Indigenous knowledge and Western institutions. Recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of Canada and nearly two dozen honorary degrees, Justice Sinclair was a steadfast champion of justice and reconciliation.

As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), he led Canada in confronting the painful legacy of residential schools, producing 94 Calls to Action that continue to pave the way toward justice, healing, and understanding in all sectors. His leadership with the TRC has set a foundation that informs our ongoing commitment to justice, inclusion, reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization within the Faculty of Medicine and beyond.

In honour of his vision and enduring contributions, we encourage our community to reflect on the principles he championed and to continue the work he began. Justice Sinclair’s life and leadership remind us that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, calling for our collective commitment and action. As we remember and celebrate his legacy, let us work to build an inclusive and compassionate society that honours his vision for a just and equitable future.

May his memory continue to inspire meaningful change within our communities.

Famous Quotes for the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair

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