November 29, 2024

We were saddened to hear of the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair on November 4, which made headlines around the world.  

Justice Sinclair was a prominent Indigenous leader, who was Manitoba’s first, and Canada’s second, Indigenous judge, and was later appointed to Canada’s Senate. Best known for serving as the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) from 2009 to 2015, he helped shape the way we talk about Canada’s history of colonization and approach the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.  

A trail blazer whose legacy is felt in many ways, Justice Sinclair’s vision for a better and more equitable country helped shape Can-SOLVE CKD Network’s commitment to inclusion, cultural competency, and collaboration as seen in our Core Values. 

For patient partner Cathy Woods, who serves as co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC), member of the Patient Governance Council (PGC), and member of Can-SOLVE CKD’s leadership team, Sinclair’s teachings are deeply personal.  

Remembering “Judge Murray” 

During her career working as an Indigenous Liaison within the government of Manitoba, Cathy had the opportunity to work with Sinclair. “I’ve always felt a connection with him and his family,” she shares. “To me, he will always be Judge Murray.” 

Cathy was among the family, friends, dignitaries, and members of the public who attended the commemorative service in honour of Sinclair at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on November 10. She recalls feeling a sense of pride and closeness as she attended the ceremony and visited the sacred fire that was lit outside the Manitoba Legislature after his passing, in keeping with the Anishinaabe tradition. 

“It was a celebration—a chance to reflect on his work and the path he’s set us on,” says Cathy.   

A driving force for change 

Sinclair’s vision has been a driving force for change. His focus on improving health outcomes for Indigenous peoples—captured in Calls to Action 18, 22, and 23, among others—has shaped Can-SOLVE CKD’s core values and many of our initiatives.  

Kidney Check— an Indigenous-led screen and treat program on which Cathy is the patient lead—is one example of reconciliation in action, or reconciliaction.  

“One of the things I’m truly proud of is that we [Can-SOLVE CKD] are setting a good example. We are leading the way, and we must continue to put in the resources and work,” Cathy says. “The work isn’t done, and it never will be. But as long as we stay on this path, we’re honouring his memory and building a better future for everyone.”   

Cathy also reflected on Justice Sinclair’s ability to educate and inspire. “He spent his life helping people see the truth, even when it wasn’t easy to hear. At the ceremony, [Manitoba Premier] Wab Kinew said it best: ‘Though we have lost our teacher, we have not lost his teachings.’” 

Click here to read the official obituary for the Honourable Murray Sinclair, whose spirit name is Mazina Giizhik-iban, which translates to “the one who speaks of pictures in the sky” in Anishinaabemowin.