FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, November 5, 2024 - The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, former chair of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Justice Sinclair was the recipient of the 2024 RAIC Gold Medal, awarded for his unwavering dedication and leadership in promoting truth and reconciliation, dismantling colonial relationships, and advocating for the rights of Canada's Indigenous Peoples. The Gold Medal, the highest honour given for a significant and lasting contribution to Canadian architecture, recognizes the fundamental impact the TRC and Justice Sinclair’s work has on the Canadian architectural landscape, both presently and in the future.
The RAIC, having represented Canadian architects for more than a century, has long contended with its connection to our nation’s colonial past. With the establishment of the TRC and the tenacious efforts of Indigenous changemakers like Justice Sinclair, it became imperative for organizations like the RAIC to show their commitment to promoting truth and reconciliation. As a result, the RAIC created the Indigenous Task Force (ITF) in 2016 and the Truth and Reconciliation Task Force (TRTF) in 2020. The RAIC helped with the formation of the International Union of Architects’ Indigenous Peoples Work Programme and, in 2017, hosted the inaugural International Indigenous Architecture and Design Symposium in Ottawa. The RAIC’s TRTF will carry on its work toward truth and reconciliation in this country despite the continued colonial legacy that sees Indigenous Peoples underrepresented in the architectural profession.
“The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair has left an indelible mark on the architectural community and on Canada as a whole,” stated Jonathan Bisson, President of the RAIC Board. “His courage and wisdom inspire us to continue our commitment on the path of truth and reconciliation. For many years, we have carried forward his legacy, but it is essential to remember that this journey is a collective duty, a lasting commitment to listening, respect and action. I am confident that his dedication to truth and justice will continue to guide our work for generations to come.”
Justice Sinclair has championed Indigenous rights for more than 50 years in his professional role as educator, lawyer and politician. He was the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba and was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016. His appointment to the TRC in 2009 made him, in many ways, the face of a more modern and intentional movement toward truth and reconciliation in the country.
Outside of the professional sphere, Justice Sinclair is a father and grandfather who never failed to inspire people with his kindness and exceptional ability to listen. His generosity, both towards his colleagues and his loved ones, makes him an irreplaceable figure. A member of the Peguis First Nation, he was raised by his Cree grandfather Jim Sinclair and his Ojibway grandmother Catherine Sinclair.
The RAIC extends its deepest condolences to Justice Sinclair’s family, friends and community.