The Town of Bracebridge has lowered flags to half-mast at the Municipal Office, Taylor Road roundabout and Muskoka Lumber Community Centre to recognize the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair.
Sinclair was a respected Indigenous leader, and advocate for justice and reconciliation, who leaves behind a profound legacy in Canada. Born on January 25, 1951, in St. Peter’s Reserve in Manitoba, Sinclair was a member of the Peguis First Nation and was the first Indigenous judge to be appointed to the bench in Manitoba, serving for nearly three decades. He advocated for the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples and worked tirelessly to bring their voices to the forefront of national conversations about justice, healing, and reconciliation.
As Chief Commissioner of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), he oversaw the final report and the 94 Calls to Action, advocating for change, healing and real reconciliation.
Sinclair’s impact on Canada is immeasurable. His leadership in the TRC helped catalyze a national dialogue about the historical trauma faced by Indigenous communities and the ongoing need for systemic change, and he was a true champion for Indigenous rights, education, and social justice.