People across northwestern Ontario honour late Murray Sinclair and his impact on Indigenous lives

People from northwestern Ontario are remembering the Honourable Murray Sinclair for his impact in the region and across Turtle Island.

Sinclair died at age 73 at a Winnipeg hospital early Monday morning "peacefully and surrounded by love," his family said in a statement.

He was Manitoba's first Indigenous judge, led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and also served as a senator.

In 2017, he was appointed by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission to look into its concerns over the ability of the Thunder Bay Police Service Board — the civilians appointed to oversee the local force — to address issues raised by Indigenous leaders.

"His investigation uncovered systemic racism and validated long-standing concerns held by the Indigenous members of the Thunder Bay community," Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) said in a statement Monday on Sinclair's passing.

Riley Yesno, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto and research fellow at the Yellowhead Institute, said learning about Sinclair's death was like a "gut punch."

"There's very few, if any, other people in this country right now that have made such an impact … [and] touched every individual Indigenous person's lives," said Yesno, who is a member of Eabametoong First Nation.

"The entire trajectory of the country, politics and government has not been the same since the work of the [TRC] Commission … I was just kind of, I think, marinating in that whole realization of how much we've lost."

Yesno said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is ingrained in many people's minds, but recalls there were many challenges getting it off the ground before Sinclair was appointed chairman.

"I really think that it's because especially of his work that we even got a Commission that people still reference today in the first place — and I think that that labour really can't be understated," said Yesno.

'Creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness'

Leaders with NAN, a political territorial organization that represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5, are also mourning the loss of Sinclair.

"We are terribly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend this morning. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, Peguis First Nation, and friends and colleagues across Turtle Island. May the Creator guide him as he begins his Spirit Journey," said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler in Monday's statement.

Sinclair's wisdom and knowledge inspired many young people across NAN territory. Throughout the years, he engaged with NAN youth and facilitated opportunities for them to develop relationships with upper levels of government, says NAN's release.

Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa of Kingfisher Lake First Nation held a moment of silence for Sinclair on Monday at Queen's Park.

"Meegwetch for all he has done for justice and to make Canada better for all of us," Mamakwa wrote on social media.

In lieu of flowers, Sinclair's family is asking for donations to the Murray Sinclair Memorial Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation for those who wish to make a contribution in his honour.

"Mazina Giizhik (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky) committed his life in service to the people: creating change, revealing truth, and leading with fairness throughout his career," the statement from Sinclair's family said.

"The impact of our dad's work reached far across the country and the world. From residential school survivors to law students to those who sat across from him in a courtroom, he was always known as an exceptional listener who treated everyone with dignity and respect.

"We know that stories of his kindness, generosity and fairness will circulate for generations to come."

For those wishing to pay respects in person, a sacred fire to help guide Sinclair's spirit home has been lit outside the Manitoba Legislative Building, the family said in a statement.

"Everyone is welcome to visit his sacred fire to make an offering of tobacco and send him your best wishes," says the statement.

The family is asking others across the country not to light any other fires for him, out of respect for his journey.