Queen’s University is pleased to announce the inaugural Chancellor Emeritus Murray Sinclair Commemorative Lecture, an event honouring the remarkable leadership and legacy of Chancellor Emeritus and former Senator Mazina Giizhik Murray Sinclair.

Hosted by Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, this special occasion will bring together members of the Queen’s community to celebrate Queen’s 15th Chancellor’s profound contributions to truth and reconciliation, education, and justice, and his enduring impact on the university and Canadian society.

The event will feature the unveiling of Chancellor Emeritus Murray Sinclair’s official portrait for Queen’s painted by Kent Monkman who received an honorary degree from Queen’s in 2024 along with the first Chancellor Emeritus Murray Sinclair Commemorative Lecture, a new annual series established to continue the vital conversations he inspired during his tenure as Queen’s 15th Chancellor. There will be two keynote lectures. One by Niigaan Sinclair, Murray’s son and Anishinaabe writer, editor, professor, and activist titled Ten Lessons from Commissioner Dad, and then Legacies, Lingering, will be delivered by Dr. Danielle Lussier, Queen's National Scholar, and Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives. The event will end with a reception and refreshments.
 

Details

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Grant Hall

“All members of the Queen’s community are warmly invited to join this important celebration of Chancellor Emeritus Sinclair’s influence and example,” says Chancellor Shelagh Rogers. “His wisdom, compassion, and steadfast commitment to truth and reconciliation continue to guide and inspire us.”
 

About Chancellor Emeritus Murray Sinclair

Senator Murray Sinclair served as Queen’s 15th Chancellor from 2021 to 2023. A respected national leader, jurist, and advocate, he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which issued the landmark Calls to Action that continue to shape reconciliation efforts across the country. His time as Chancellor was marked by a deep commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and change within the Queen’s community and beyond.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Those interested are asked to register in advance since space is limited. Full details and registration form are available on the Principal’s Office website.