Residential school survivors say Murray Sinclair made them feel heard.

Sinclair, a former judge, senator and chair of the Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission, died Monday in a Winnipeg hospital at the age of 73.

Sinclair’s family says he touched thousands of people and encourages the public to celebrate his life and homecoming in a good way.

Planned tributes include a memorial this weekend at the downtown Winnipeg arena.

Additionally, a teepee and sacred fire have already been set up outside the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for people to pay their respects.

Geraldine Shingoose says she went to the holy fire to show her gratitude for Sinclair’s work and support of his family.

She attended Muscowequan Residential School in Saskatchewan from 1962 to 1971 and shared this experience with Sinclair at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Vancouver in 2013.

She says Sinclair’s death is a huge loss and he was special to many people across the country.

“He carried us through the TRC all these years, as survivors,” she told CBC News on Tuesday.

“He listened to our stories, then he documented them and made them real. He shared our truth and that’s how I want to remember him.”

Shingoose says she was able to feel Sinclair’s love for his family during his work with the TRC, but “also for people, communities and nations.” He just wanted to make things right.”

“He helped us so much. He supported us so much.”

“He left us a roadmap”

Vivian Ketchum, who attended the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School Memorial in Kenora, Ont., says she attended the TRC’s closing event in Ottawa almost a decade ago and heard the Sinclair’s closing speech.

“When I heard it, I felt like I was protected, I was seen (and) heard,” she said Tuesday.

“At boarding school there were bullies, and you always had to have older siblings looking out for you, and that’s how I felt about him.”

Ketchum went to the sacred fire to pay her respects and renew her commitment to sharing her experience as a residential school survivor, she said. She shared tobacco, stories and laughter with others present.

“I think he would have loved it. We laugh, we cry. I think it’s really good for us.”

She described Sinclair as funny, wise and protective.

“I’m sad that he passed away, but he left us a road map with these 94 calls to action. These calls to action are for everyone, even me as a residential school survivor.

Melvin Swan, a retired corporal, said he testified before Sinclair when he was co-commissioner of Inquiry into Aboriginal justice in Manitoba in 1988which highlighted the need to consider the backgrounds of Indigenous offenders when sentencing.

“My impression of him was, ‘Well, we have a First Nations judge,'” Swan said.

He said Sinclair was a particularly gifted man who worked hard for his people.

“I congratulate him, and he should be remembered for such a duty,” he said. “I’m glad he’s at peace.”

Sunday Memorial at Downtown Arena

Members of the public will also have the chance to honor Sinclair at a memorial ceremony this weekend at the Canada Life Centre.

The event, hosted by the federal and Manitoba governments, will take place Sunday at the downtown arena and the ceremony is expected to begin at 2 p.m., a provincial news release said Tuesday.

A public viewing will also take place on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Caboto Center on Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg.

Additionally, starting Wednesday, a book of condolences will be placed at the foot of the grand staircase of the Manitoba Legislative Building, which the public can sign until Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Flags at the Manitoba Legislative Building and Parliament in Ottawa will remain at half-mast until after Sunday’s memorial, the province said.

Residential school survivors pay tribute to the late Murray Sinclair

Day and residential school survivors pay tribute to the late Murray Sinclair. A teepee and sacred fire have been set up outside the Manitoba Legislature and members of the public will also have the opportunity to honor Sinclair at a memorial this weekend at the Canada Life Centre.