Justice Murray Sinclair has been awarded the University of Winnipeg's Duff Roblin Award

Manitoba Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has been honored by the University of Winnipeg for his commitment to education and community.

Sinclair is the latest recipient of the Duff Roblin Award, which honors a Manitoban with an outstanding commitment to education and community, the university said Thursday.

“Justice Sinclair is an inspiration to all Canadians who think deeply and passionately about the meaning of human rights, true citizenship and reconciliation,” said University of Winnipeg President Annette Trimby.

“He has dedicated his career to helping the next generation thrive and has given himself tirelessly to that endeavour. It is our honor to honor Justice Sinclair with the 2015 Duff Roblin Award.”

As a Manitoba judge, Sinclair chaired the province's Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and conducted an inquest into the cardiac surgery deaths of 12 children at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. He was the first native judge of the province.

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Sinclair was appointed chair of the TRC in 2009 and, along with fellow commissioners Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild, produced the first comprehensive report on Canada's residential school system. Their summary report was published in June.

“I am honored to receive this honor, but I share this honor with all those who have had the courage and confidence to share their stories about residential schools,” Sinclair said of the University of Winnipeg award.

“It is my great hope that the work I have been involved in will continue as we move forward toward a shared future that recognizes the culture and rights of all peoples in Canada.”

He will receive the award at a dinner on November 17 at the Fort Harry Hotel in Winnipeg.

Ticket and sponsorship proceeds from the event benefit several funds that support students, including the Duff Roblin Scholars Fund and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Scholarship Fund.

The first Duff Roblin Award was presented in 2007 to former Manitoba Premier Duff Roblin.