The Honourable Murray Sinclair to become Chancellor Emeritus

Chancellor Murray Sinclair’s 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’s in a special advisory role.

His appointment as the university’s 15th Chancellor in 2021 marked a significant moment in Queen’s history. Not only did His Honour become the first-ever Indigenous person to serve in the role of Chancellor at Queen’s, 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’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and as a senator in the Senate of Canada.

“Chancellor Sinclair’s experience, expertise, and care have contributed deeply to Queen’s evolution as an institution,” says Mary Wilson Trider, Chair, Queen’s Board of Trustees. “It’s 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.”

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’s 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.

“Working 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,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “He 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’s 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’s even after he steps down from his role as Chancellor in a new capacity as Special Advisor to the Principal on Reconciliation.”

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.

“For our campus community, Chancellor Sinclair has been an invaluable voice for reconciliation and Indigenization,” says Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). “He 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.”

Queen’s will soon commence a search for his successor, beginning next month.

Note: This story originally appeared in the Gazette.