Mayor's Statement on the Passing of Murray Sinclair | City of Winnipeg

Mayor Scott Gillingham today issued the following statement on the death of the Honourable Murray Sinclair:

Today, Winnipeg City Council and residents across our city mourn the loss of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, a leader in justice, reconciliation, and education. His passing feels especially sad because the journey he started is still ongoing, with much work ahead.

Known as Elder Mizanay Gheezhik, or “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky,” he dedicated his life to public service, drawing on deep knowledge of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous law and culture. He was a respected advocate, a judge, and led three major inquiries—the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Inquiry, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada—that reshaped our understanding of justice and reconciliation.

Murray Sinclair brought to light the hard truths of the residential school system, based on Survivors’ stories, and showed Canadians the realities we must confront to achieve real reconciliation. Winnipeg and all of Canada owe him a debt of gratitude for guiding us toward these truths and starting this important work.

As a Manitoba Senator, a mentor, an Elder-in-Residence, and an advocate for Indigenous languages and traditions, he inspired hope and a sense of possibility. He reminded us, 'Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.' His words will continue to guide us, even though reconciliation is a journey that will take generations.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair leaves behind a legacy of courage, wisdom, and compassion. On behalf of Winnipeg City Council and all Winnipeggers, I offer our deepest condolences to his family.

He once said he hoped future generations would look at his work and know he cared. There is no doubt that they will, and Winnipeg will always remember Murray Sinclair.