Assembly of First Nations Congratulates Justice Murray Sinclair on Appointment to Senate of Canada

OTTAWA, March 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde and AFN Manitoba Regional Chief Kevin Hart today congratulated Justice Murray Sinclair on his appointment to the Senate of Canada, one of seven people announced today by Prime Minister Justine Trudeau.

"Justice Sinclair has demonstrated a life-long commitment to justice for First Nations and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  "We know he will continue his work as a strong advocate, as a leader and as a principled voice for First Nations and all people in the Senate of Canada.  We congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment and lift him up as he begins this new journey."

AFN Manitoba Regional Chief Kevin Hart stated: "First Nations in Manitoba are very pleased at the appointment of Justice Murray Sinclair to the Senate of Canada.  I commend him for his tremendous work and dedication, efforts that have made Canada a better place for all our peoples.  Justice Sinclair has been a mentor to me and continues to be a role model for our youth and young people everywhere.  We wish him well in this new, important role."

Justice Murray Sinclair was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the provincial court of Manitoba in 1988 and was named Co-commissioner of Manitoba's landmark Aboriginal Justice Inquiry that same year.  Most recently, Justice Sinclair served as Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  He has been awarded a National Aboriginal Achievement Award and numerous Honourary Degrees from a number of universities.

The National Chief added, "We congratulate all the new Senate appointees today and encourage them to work for reconciliation and closing the gap between First Nations people and Canada."

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]; Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]