Last Updated Jan 12, 2022 By YGK News Staff
Chancellor Murray Sinclair has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his commitment to representing Indigenous legal issues and his dedication to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Sinclair was announced as the 15th Chancellor of Queen’s University and began his new role in July 2021.
The Order of Canada recognizes his extensive legal career spanning decades as a leading advocate for indigenous peoples in Canada. He was also the first indigenous judge in Manitoba and the second overall in Canada. He also led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, issuing 94 calls to action to promote reconciliation between Canada and indigenous peoples.
Chancellor Sinclair also served as a Senator in the Canadian Senate from 2016 to 2021. He is Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation and Fourth Degree Head of the Midewiwin Society, a traditional healing and spiritual society of the Anishinaabe Nation responsible for protecting the teachings, ceremonies, laws and history of the Anishinaabe.
In addition to Chancellor Sinclair, five other members of the Queen’s Community were appointed to the Order of Canada, including Queen’s Alumni and Scholars.
In the Officers category, Queen alumna Dr. Connie J. Eaves, OC, is recognized for advancing research for cancer development and stem cell biology. Dr. Eaves is currently a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia and a Distinguished Scientist in the Terry Fox Laboratory.
The Honorable Judge Hugh L. Fraser, OC, Queen Alumnus, Class of 1973-74 (ArtSci), has been named in the same category for his transformative contributions to Canadian sport as an internationally recognized sports law expert as a former Olympian. He was also a member of the Queen’s council and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.
In the Members category, Queen alumni of the MBA class of 1969 Graham Farquharson, CM are recognized for their work in developing and managing Canada’s first mine north of the Arctic Circle, located in Nanisivik on the Baffin Island, Patricia M. Feheley, CM class of 1974, is recognized for her long-standing contributions to the Canadian art scene and for her promotion of Inuit art and culture. And finally, George M. Thomson, a CM alumnus of the 1965 LLB cohort, is recognized for taking an innovative approach to leadership as an educator and judicial mentor.
The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civil honours, established in 1967.
Reference-ygknews.ca