The passing of Murray Sinclair has left a profound sense of loss, especially for those he inspired and advocated for throughout his life. Among them is Chief Dennis Pashe of Dakota Tipi First Nation, who knew Sinclair not only as a champion of Indigenous rights but as a friend and fellow student. Reflecting on Sinclair’s legacy, Pashe described him as “very intelligent, very kind, and very humble.” He emphasized that Sinclair’s accomplishments were immense, yet he never lost his humility or his dedication to helping his community.
Pashe recalled first meeting Sinclair.
“He did a lot of great work, actually, I would say he is going to be a legend for leadership in the legal field and for First Nations people. I knew him back in 1975, we were going to the University of Winnipeg, and we were in the same classroom. Then he went on to become a lawyer.”
One of Sinclair’s greatest contributions was his work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), where he became a steady voice for justice as he led the nation in confronting the history of residential schools. For Pashe, Sinclair’s dedication to this cause was not just professional but deeply personal.
“He believed in, and supported the culture, languages and ceremonies of First Nations people as one of the cornerstones for healing.”
Pashe also spoke about Sinclair’s work on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, a landmark investigation into injustices in the legal system.
“Unfortunately, the lack of will from the governments to move that forward is not because of his hard work to actually accomplish and finish the recommendations. The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, as well as his work with the truth and reconciliation process and his involvement at the Royal Commission Aboriginal Peoples. He was a very strong figure and advisor for many First Nations Leaders and people.”
While Sinclair may not have directly impacted every First Nations community, Pashe emphasized that his influence was felt nationwide.
“He did have input at the organizational level, as well as trying to have the governments change their policies and this treatment of First Nations people. That's why the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is going to be a long-term process to implement those recommendations.”