Treaty No. 1 Territory – Winnipeg, MB: January 28, 2025 – The Manitoba Museum has announced The Honourable Murray Sinclair as distinguished honouree at the 20th Annual Tribute Gala, taking place on Wednesday, April 17, 2025. This celebratory evening will recognize his outstanding contributions to justice, reconciliation, and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and cultures in Canada.

As a trailblazer in the legal field and a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights, The Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life and career to building understanding and advancing truth and reconciliation. As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), his leadership played a pivotal role in documenting the history and legacy of residential schools, the stories of survivors and honouring the children who never came home. Murray Sinclair paved a path and outlined actionable steps toward a more equitable future.

“We are deeply grateful for the privilege of recognizing The Honourable Murray Sinclair for his tireless efforts to create a more inclusive and just society,” said Dorota Blumczyńska, CEO of the Manitoba Museum. “His unwavering commitment to truth, reconciliation, and education shaped the Museum’s work and helped to transform many of our galleries. In his memory, we will continue to inspire discovery and understanding of Manitoba’s many diverse cultures and vibrant heritage. His is a light that will forever shine.”

Funds raised through the Tribute Gala support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All initiative by removing financial, social, and cultural barriers to visitation. One of the key components of Access for All is providing Manitobans with access to the Museum at no charge – community members who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience the Museum’s incredible spaces and stories. Through this initiative, the Museum aims to further engage new audiences in memorable learning experiences and create a place that belongs to all Manitobans.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Tribute Gala, a milestone that fills us with gratitude for the unwavering support of our communities, donors, members, staff, and partners. Building understanding, inspiring curiosity, and creating a more inclusive and accessible Manitoba is only possible when we do it together. Here, at your Manitoba Museum, every story is honoured and celebrated,” said Zoë McQuinn, Director of Fund Development at the Manitoba Museum.

The Manitoba Museum’s 20th Annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on April 17, 2025. For information on reserving tables, purchasing tickets, exploring sponsorship opportunities, or donating to the Access for All community initiative, please visit our webpage or contact Cassidy Nicholls at CNicholls@ManitobaMuseum.ca or 204-988-0629.

The Honourable Murray Sinclair or Mizanay (Mizhana) Gheezhik-iban, meaning “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky” in Anishinaabemowin, CC, OM, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, lawyer, judge, senator (born in 1951 in Selkirk, MB; died 4 November 2024 in Winnipeg, MB). Called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980, Murray Sinclair focused primarily on civil and criminal litigation, Indigenous law and human rights. In 1988, he became Manitoba’s first, and Canada’s second, Indigenous judge. Sinclair joined the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as its Chief Commissioner in 2009, before becoming a senator in 2016. He retired from the Senate in 2021 but continued to mentor Indigenous lawyers. The breadth of public service and community work completed by Sinclair demonstrates his commitment to Indigenous peoples in Canada. In recognition of his work, Sinclair was a Companion of the Order of Canada and received the Order of Manitoba.

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Media Contact: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca