Senator Murray Sinclair is the recipient of CCAB’s 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senator Murray Sinclair is the recipient of CCAB’s 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations

TORONTO — August 9, 2016 — The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is proud to announce that Senator Murray Sinclair is the recipient of its 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations. Senator Sinclair is being honoured for his distinguished record of public service and work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.

“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. 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.” said JP Gladu, President and CEO of CCAB.

Before becoming Chair of the TRC, Murray Sinclair had a distinguished career as a lawyer and then Justice for the Queen’s Bench of Manitoba. He also was a co-commissioner of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, which studied the impact of the criminal justice on Aboriginal peoples in Manitoba and also conducted a six year inquiry into the deaths of 12 children that resulted in a study that led to changes in pediatric heart surgery in Canada. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba and was appointed to the Senate in 2016.

The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations 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.

Senator Murray Sinclair’s entire professional career has been dedicated to helping Aboriginal communities across Canada as well as changing practices and procedures in his home province of Manitoba. His work with the TRC has also had a significant effect in changing the Government of Canada’s approach to Aboriginal peoples and has provided guiding principles to Corporate Canada.

Senator Murray Sinclair will be honoured at CCAB’s 14^th Annual Vancouver Gala on September 22, 2016. For more information on the gala please go to https://www.ccab.com/14th-annual-vancouver-gala.

Please contact:

Andre Morriseau
Director, Awards & Communication
647.970.7661
amorriseau@ccab.com

About CCAB

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is committed to the full participation of Aboriginal peoples in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit, non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and businesses across Canada.

Summary

CCAB is honouring Senator Murray Sinclair with the 2016 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations. He is being celebrated for his years of public service as a justice in Manitoba and for leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which gathered testimony from survivors of Indian residential schools. His work embodies everything that the Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations.

Key Messages:

• Senator Murray Sinclair is being honoured for his distinguished record of public service and work leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada.
• The Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations recognizes an extraordinary individual to building bridges between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society.
• Senator Murray Sinclair’s entire professional career has been dedicated to helping Aboriginal communities across Canada.
• His work with the TRC has also had a significant effect in changing the Government of Canada’s approach to Aboriginal peoples and has provided guiding principles to Corporate Canada.
• CCAB’s 14^th Annual Vancouver Gala celebrates buildings bridges between Aboriginal peoples and Canada and the importance of Progressive Aboriginal Relations.

Major Quote:

“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.”

“Reconciliation is the key to creating a new relationship, one based on mutual respect and understanding and we are truly humbled to celebrate Senator Murray Sinclair’s work with this award.”

Available For Interview:

JP Gladu, President & CEO of CCAB