JUNE 3, 1933

MÉTIS LEADER JIM SINCLAIR BORN

Sinclair, born in Punnichy, Saskatchewan (SK), joined the Métis Society of SK as a field worker in 1964. In 1967, he was elected to the board and, from 1971-89, he served as President focusing on housing, land rights, hunting, fishing, trapping rights, and education. Jim helped establish both a network of alcohol treatment centers and the Native Council of Canada, which included Métis & Non-Status Indians. Sinclair led the lobbying effort for inclusion of Métis in Canada’s Constitution and met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Queen of England, and Pope John Paul II. Visiting the Northwest Territories, the Pope openly supported Canada’s Aboriginal treaty rights. From 1994-96, Sinclair led the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) becoming CAP SK President from 1996 until his death. For Lifetime Service & Achievement, he received the Order of the Métis Nation (2004) and Inspire Award (2006). On October 25, 2012, he was honored by the Federation of SK Indian Nations. Sinclair died November 9, 2012.

Source: “In Memory of Jim Sinclair - A Fierce Métis Rights Advocate,” Métis Nation, December 2012.  Retrieved 7/18/2019, http://www.metisnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Newsletter-December-2012-final.pdf

Photo: Padraic Ryan, 11/11/2007.  Aboriginal War Veterans Monument, Ottawa, Canada.  Permissive Use.