CUPE mourns the loss of Murray Sinclair, will continue to fight for justice for Indigenous peoples

It is with deep sadness that CUPE mourns the passing of Murray Sinclair. Sinclair served as Manitoba’s first Indigenous lawyer and judge, a senator, and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

 “Murray Sinclair played a critical role in how our union fights for justice for Indigenous peoples in the workplace and community,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “His life’s work leaves a powerful legacy and will guide our work in CUPE as we hold governments and institutions to account for past and current injustices.”

 Sinclair’s leadership on the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has shaped CUPE’s work, in particular the 94 TRC calls to action which continue to inform CUPE’s work on reconciliation. An example of this work is CUPE’s bargaining guide for truth and reconciliation. 

 “We need truth before reconciliation, and when Murray Sinclair spoke to our national convention nine years ago, he laid out a way forward. He was clear that education is key to reconciliation, and CUPE is deeply committed to carrying out this work in solidarity,” says CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick.

“The road we travel is equal and important to the destination we seek. There are no shortcuts when it comes to truth and reconciliation, we are forced to go the distance,” says Debra Merrier, CUPE Diversity Vice-President, Indigenous workers.

Sinclair was a key figure across the country, and in his home community of Manitoba.

“CUPE Manitoba has centered Murray Sinclair’s work in everything that we do, from ensuring workplace contract language that reflects Indigenous realities, to marching in the streets for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit members of our shared communities,” says CUPE Manitoba President Gina McKay.

As Canada’s largest union, we know we have a responsibility to the TRC calls to action and MMIWG2S Calls to Justice, calls that are rooted in the visionary work of Murray Sinclair.

 On behalf of CUPE’s 750,000 members including 37,000 members in Manitoba, we offer our deepest condolences Murray Sinclair’s family and commit to continue working with Indigenous workers, communities, and leaders in the fight for justice.