Skwl膩x te Secwepemc煤l虛ecw (SteS) is honouring the legacy of the late Murray Sinclair, who was instrumental in advancing reconciliation in Canada.
Sinclair, who died at the age of 73 in Winnipeg on Monday, Nov. 4, was a former judge and senator but more notably served as the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015 when it presented its final report and delivered the 94 calls to action.
"He was one of the fist people of our generation who recognized a wrong and worked to change it," Kukpi7 (Chief) James Tomma said in a media release. "All First Nations people are in debt to him for picking up the fight. He started us on a new path which will continue with the next generation."
He described Sinclair as quiet, not outspoken, but who was recognized for breaking barriers and inspiring others "to pursue reform and justice with courage and determination."
"The change I saw in my lifetime from his work was amazing. Incredible strides were made not only for First Nations but for all Canadians in recognizing Truth and Reconciliation... " Tomma added. "People will recognize him as a generational leader who made fundamental changes on how Canadians view First Nations."
Tomma also pointed out that Sinclair is leaving a legacy of having the government and society realize that First Nations have a voice and it needs to be heard. In a previous statement from Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2022, Sinclair commended residential school survivors for having that voice and getting Canada to this point.
"Without the advocacy and contribution of Survivors, September 30 would be just another day in the calendar," he said in the statement. "It is only because of the strength and courage of Survivors that we had a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we now have a National Centre, and today we mark a National Day for this important work."
Tomma said SteS plans to install a plaque and photo in a future band building in recognition of Sinclair's contributions to Indigenous society.
"Our children and children's children will get to know about him and honour his legacy."
