As the Winnipeg Free Press reports, alumnus Senator Murray Sinclair [LLB/1979, LLD/2002] has been recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business:

Senator Murray Sinclair has been named the recipient of the 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).

Sinclair, the former Justice for the Queen’s Bench of Manitoba, will be honoured on Sept. 22 at the CCAB’s 14th annual dinner in Vancouver for his distinguished record of public service and work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.

The award “recognizes an individual, aboriginal or non-aboriginal, who has contributed, through professional and voluntary commitments, to building bridges between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society, making a substantial impact across all sectors, socially, culturally, and politically. It highlights the efforts of people who have been ambassadors in working with Aboriginal peoples and communities,” a press release stated.

“Senator Murray Sinclair’s work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a shining example of his commitment to Aboriginal people and bringing all Canadians to the forefront and understanding of a national tragedy and injustice,” JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB, said in a statement.

“For six years Senator Sinclair travelled to communities across Canada to listen to the stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who were put through Canada’s residential school system. Reconciliation is the key to creating a new relationship, one based on mutual respect and understanding and we are truly humbled to celebrate his life’s work.”

In Canadian Lawyer, Sinclair was also selected as one of the top 25 most influential changemakers.

A Top 25 honouree last year, Sinclair’s Truth and Reconciliation report is having a substantial impact on Canadian society including law schools that are moving on its recommendations to include more aboriginal law and legal and cultural understanding of aboriginal dispute resolution. His recent appointment to the Senate of Canada means his strong voice continues to influence Canadian society and ensure the rights and needs of First Nations will always be heard.