b'MURRAY SINCLAIRF ew people haverights. In 1981, Sinclair started teachingof the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (AJI). shaped this countrycourses at the University of Manitoba,The resulting report, released in 1991, in the way that mylecturing for many years on Indigenousconfirmed the existence of systemic racism father has, and fewrights, law, culture and administrationin Manitobas justice system and made people can say they changed the courseof justice. After denying two invitations,296 recommendations for reform of the of this country the way that my fatherSinclair became the first Indigenoussystem. [The AJI report] still stands today had, to put us on a better path, saidjudge appointed in Manitoba, and theas the most innovative, the most over-Niigaanwewidam Sinclair at his fatherssecond in Canada, in 1988. Powley, whohauling, the most creative offers of change public memorial on November 10. Thewas premier of Manitoba at the time,for any institution in Canadian history, Honourable Murray Sinclair, Mazinaappointed Sinclair as co-commissionersaid Niigaan.Giizhik-iban (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, in Winnipeg at the age of 73. All of us, said his son, every person, whether you are new to this place or whether you have been here since time immemorial, from the beginningall of us have been touched by him in some way.Born in 1951 and raised in Selkirk, Man. by his grandparents, Sinclair was, as described by his son, an advocate, a fighter, [] a poet, an artist, and perhaps most of all, he was an educator. His significant career in the Canadian legal system has carved a path for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to come together in healing and under-standing for a vision of a shared future based on trust.Sinclair was a bright student, and after graduating from Selkirk Collegiate Institute in 1968, he studied sociology and history at the University of Manitoba before postponing his education to care for his grandmother. Niigaan shared Sinclairs retelling of his grandmothers advice when he first sought her permission to attend university instead of entering theSTORYTELLING . ART . priesthood: She looked me straight in the eyes, he said, and said that I must loveMUSIC . CONNECTION the people, even when they do not love me. And that he did. INDIGENED IS:Upon returning to Selkirk, Sinclair started Lifting Indigenous voices and stories through work at the Selkirk Indian Friendshipculture, art, and music.Centre, a position that led him to Creating understanding between Indigenous become the regional vice president ofand non-indigenous people.the Manitoba Mtis Federation by 1972. In 1973, Manitoba Attorney GeneralWE OFFER:Howard Powley asked Sinclair to work as his personal assistant. This step broughtArts Education Workshops - Presentations - Openings Sinclair into the world of law, and in 1976,Musical Performances - Hand Drum Circles - Retreatshe enrolled in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, from which he graduated in 1979.CONTACTCalled to the bar in 1980, Sinclairs legalindigened.ca@gmail.comcareer focused primarily on civil and crim- www.indigened.cainal litigation, Indigenous law and human Ontario Native Womens Association41'