Incredible life, Murray Sinclair, 1951 - 2024, and an incredible national memorial in the Canada Life Centre (Wpg arena) November 10, 2024.
By Ray Marilyn Hamm ( rmhamm@icloud.com)
Murray Sinclair was a giant and trail blazer for indigenous people and for all of Canada, and also a father and grandfather. Murray is a fourth degree Medewiwini and was the Western Doorway Chief of the Three Fires Lodge. The Good Sounding Lodge, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, sang and drummed in the hospital and in a family home.
The list of firsts in his life could fill a room. Being the first one at whatever task or level always takes extra effort and energy. He opened many doors, and he opened many eyes and minds.
He was a father. Niigaan, as master of ceremony and as a son, confessed anger at how much the public took his father away his family, and often the public did not appreciate his work.
He was a human, loved Harley motorcycles and Pink Floyd. It was fitting that the funeral motorcade on the perimeter highway was led by a brigade of Harleys playing Pink Floyd as loud as possible.
Premier Wab Kinew was a long-time friend and was one of the people Murray wanted to see in his last days. During one hospital visit, while a nurse was giving Murray ice chips, some water dribbled down his chin. Wab reached in with napkin to wipe it away. Murray looked away for a bit, looking thoughtful, and then, I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that the premier of Manitoba wiped my chin. Humour was always there. Wab began his sharing with an Anishinaabe song.
Wab's father had his braids cut and his name taken away. Today Wab and his wife braid their son's hair before he heads out to school. Murray Sinclair presided over the swearing in ceremony when the premier and the cabinet were installed as the government of Manitoba.
Provincial and national indigenous leaders expressed appreciation for the hard and thoughtful work of Murray.
Even though he would need to be at national functions in Ottawa on November 11, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the memorial and spoke with gratitude of significant conversations with Murray.
Governor General Mary Simon, also on duty for November 11 ceremonies, affirmed the worth and the work of Murray. Other leaders and officials expressed gratitude for the gifts of the life of Murray.
Murray's advice to Wab: "you have to learn to love the people, even when they don't love you." Advice for everyone.
From Wab: "Learn to love your neighbour even when they do not love you. Learn to love the person who hurt you, who caused you pain. Learn to love your children, even when they push you to your limits and beyond."
The memorial service (just over 2 1/2 hours) can be viewed at https://www.cpac.ca/cpac-special/episode/memorial-service-for-murray-sinclair--november-10-2024?id=1fea0b51-4865-4dec-ac7c-c2dd36ecd2f5
