Hon. Murray Sinclair
GLIFWC sends its condolences to the family and friends of The Honorable Murray Sinclair and venerates his trailblazing role in advocating for indigenous people. A leading figure in Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Murray oversaw efforts to document the abuse and cultural suppression of First Nations people by church and federal programs—expressly through the residential school system, which tore families apart and led to the nearly 4,000 documented
deaths of native children in Canada. "Mazina Gizhik helped lay the groundwork for first nations people and non-natives around the world to come to terms with the dark history of colonization and the deadly legacy of residential boarding schools. Miigwech for your courage, love, and pride for the indigenous people from this part of the world," said Jason Schlender, GLIFWC Executive Administrator.
Born in Manitoba, Sinclair was a citizen of Peguis First Nation. Known by his Anishinaabe name Mazina Gizhik, he built upon a law degree to become a judge and Canadian Senator before an appointment to chair the TRC from 2009-2015.