Canadian church fires linked to indigenous mass graves scandal – media
RTJan 09, 2024
Murray Sinclair, Manitoba's first Indigenous judge and former senator who led Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, passed away at 73 on Monday.Murray Sinclair, Manitoba's first Indigenous judge and former senator who led Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), passed away aged 73 on Monday.
Sinclair was born on a reservation and raised by his grandparents, both of whom were forced into government-funded residential schools, which were created to assimilate Indigenous children into non-Indigenous society.
During his time leading the TRC, Sinclair estimated that over 4.1K — and possibly up to 15K — Indigenous children died due to neglect in the country's residential school system in what he referred to as a "cultural genocide."During his time leading the TRC, Sinclair estimated that over 4.1K — and possibly up to 15K — Indigenous children died due to neglect in the country's residential school system in what he alleged to be a "cultural genocide."
Sinclair was a leader for all Canadians, which is why he not only sought to shine a light on injustice but also worked to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians together to reconcile injustices of the past. While the country still mourns the past, and not all of the Commissioncommission's Callscalls to Actionaction have been implemented, Sinclair's memory will inspire the country to finish his job after he's gone. Murray's passing should motivate the country towards more social equality.
Sinclair's passing is tragic and his impact is unquestionable. However, there must be an honest assessment of the depiction surrounding Indigenous schools. Sinclair had a biased and flawed approach not only to historical numbers of students but also to characterizing the impacts on society. It's valid to question whether the Truth and Reconciliation community has in fact contributed to polarization in Canada and has actually set Indigenous communities back.