On November 1 at Confederation Centre of the Arts, Canadian Senator, the Honourable Murray Sinclair received the 2019 Symons Medal for exceptional contribution to Canadian life. Before a full house in the Homburg Theatre and webcast live across the country, Sinclair received the medal and delivered his thoughtful lecture “Confederation: We Could Have Done Better’.

Sinclair served the justice system in Manitoba for over 25 years and was the second Indigenous Judge to be appointed in Canada and the first Indigenous Judge in Manitoba. He also served as Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Canada.

Sinclair is the 19th recipient of the Symons Medal at the Centre. Since 2004, the Centre has honoured 18 other distinguished Symons Medallists, including David Suzuki, Paul Gross, Stephen Lewis, and Dr. Margaret MacMillan.

The Symons Medal and Lecture Series is named in honour of Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, a long-time supporter of Confederation Centre and a Board Governor. Professor Symons, the founding President of Trent University, is widely recognized for his work in the field of Canadian Studies, particularly within public policy, heritage, and education.