Canada: Indigenous Judge Murray Sinclair Passes Away

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Nov 05, 2024

Above: Murray Sinclair during the opening keynote of the Shingwauk 2015 Gathering. Image copyright: Archkris via Wikimedia Commonsstory last updated Nov 06

The Facts

Murray Sinclair, Manitoba's first Indigenous judge and former senator who led Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), passed away aged 73 on Monday.
Sinclair was born on a reservation and raised by his grandparents, both of whom were forced into government-funded residential schools, which were created to assimilate Indigenous children into non-Indigenous society.

The Spin

Right narrative

Sinclair's passing is tragic and his impact is unquestionable. However, there must be an honest assessment of the depiction surrounding Indigenous schools. Sinclair had a biased and flawed approach not only to historical numbers of students but also to characterizing the impacts on society. It's valid to question whether the Truth and Reconciliation community has in fact contributed to polarization in Canada and has actually set Indigenous communities back.

TNC

Left narrative

Sinclair was a leader for all Canadians, which is why he not only sought to shine a light on injustice but also worked to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians together to reconcile injustices of the past. While the country still mourns the past, and not all of the commission's calls to action have been implemented, Sinclair's memory will inspire the country to finish the job. Murray's passing should motivate the country towards more social equality.