![Murray Sinclair](/artsci/sites/faswww/files/styles/wide/public/img/MSinclair-0154-1000x667.jpg?itok=Lugrn72e)
The Honourable Murray Sinclair became Queen's 15th Chancellor in July 2021.
The Honourable Murray Sinclair to become Chancellor Emeritus
Chancellor Murray Sinclair鈥檚 term in the role will come to an end on June 30, 2024, as he has decided not to seek reappointment. His Honour has accepted the title of Chancellor Emeritus and will continue with Queen鈥檚 in a special advisory role.
His appointment as the university鈥檚 15th Chancellor in 2021 marked a significant moment in Queen鈥檚 history. Not only did His Honour become the first-ever Indigenous person to serve in the role of Chancellor at Queen鈥檚, but he also brought with him deep experience in both law and governance, most notably through his service as a judge, as chairperson of Canada鈥檚 Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and as a senator in the Senate of Canada.
鈥淐hancellor Sinclair鈥檚 experience, expertise, and care have contributed deeply to Queen鈥檚 evolution as an institution,鈥 says Mary Wilson Trider, Chair, Queen鈥檚 Board of Trustees. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been our privilege to have benefitted from his insights during the course of his term and, on behalf of my colleagues on the board and on University Council, I want to thank him for his service.鈥
Since his appointment, Chancellor Sinclair has played a pivotal role in advancing truth and reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization on campus. Most notably, his expertise helped Queen鈥檚 make critical advances on the topic of Indigenous identity. Chancellor Sinclair helped facilitate critical advances on reviewing university practices, policies, and procedures in this area.
Chancellor Murray Sinclair with Principal Patrick Deane and former Rector Alexandra da Silva
The Honourable Murray Sinclair receiving his honorary doctorate from Queen's during a fall convocation ceremony in 2019.
鈥淲orking alongside Chancellor Sinclair to realize the future vision of our university has been not only a great privilege but has also afforded me the opportunity to forge an exceptional friendship both personally and professionally,鈥 says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. 鈥淗e has transformed the Canadian political landscape through his unwavering commitment to Indigenous people and to the principles of equity and inclusion. The impact he has made at Queen鈥檚 is a lasting one and has helped chart a new path for the institution, particularly with regard to reconciliation. I am grateful that his Honour has agreed to keep working with Queen鈥檚 even after he steps down from his role as Chancellor in a new capacity as Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation.鈥
In this role, which he will assume following the conclusion of his term, he will continue to help drive key Indigenous initiatives and uphold the values and principles that have defined his time as Chancellor.
鈥淔or our campus community, Chancellor Sinclair has been an invaluable voice for reconciliation and Indigenization,鈥 says Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). 鈥淗e lent his experience and wisdom to important initiatives, from our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities to ongoing participation with the Moose Hide Campaign, and prioritized engaging students in deeper and more meaningful ways.鈥
Queen鈥檚 will soon commence a search for his successor, beginning next month.
Note: This story originally appeared in the Gazette.