Last Updated on January 12, 2022 by YGK News Staff
Chancellor Murray Sinclair has been named to 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 he began his new role in July of 2021.
The Order of Canada recognizes his extensive career in law spanning over decades as a leading advocate for Indigenous peoples in Canada. He was also the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba and 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 Senator in the Senate of Canada from 2016 until 2021. He is an Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation and a Fourth Degree Chief 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 Queen’s Community were named in the Order of Canada, including Queen’s Alumni and scholars.
In the Officers category, Dr. Connie J. Eaves, O.C, Queen’s alumni, is recognized for advancing research for cancer development and stem-cell biology. Currently, Dr. Eaves is a professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia and a Distinguished Scientist at the Terry Fox Laboratory.
The Honourable Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C., Queen’s alum, class of 1973-74 (ArtSci), has been named in the same category for his transformative contributions to Canadian sport as an internationally recognized expert in sports law as a former Olympian. He was also a former Council Member at Queen’s and was inducted into the Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1994.
In the Members category, Queen’s alumni from MBA-Class of 1969 Graham Farquharson, C.M. is recognized for his work in developing and managing Canada’s first mine north of the Arctic Circle, located in Nanisivik on Baffin Island, Patricia M. Feheley, C.M. 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, C.M. alumni from the LLB cohort of 1965, is recognized for taking an innovative approach to leadership as a judicial educator and mentor.
The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, established in 1967.
