Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) is pleased to share an important update regarding the official naming of our newest school, École Sage Creek Bonavista (ÉSCB).
The process to name the school began prior to its opening through a public consultation that invited students, staff, families, and community members to share their voices. Through this process, there was strong and resounding support to name the school in honour of the late Honourable Justice and Senator Murray Sinclair, an esteemed leader and advocate for truth, reconciliation, and education in Canada.
Following Justice Sinclair’s passing, Anishinaabe ceremonial protocols were respectfully observed, including a period of one year during which the community refrained from formally naming the school. The period has now passed, and plans are officially underway.
Members of LRSD and ÉSCB’s leadership teams met with the Sinclair family, who are excited and supportive of the school being named in honour of Murray Sinclair. We are deeply grateful for their guidance and for the opportunity to move forward together in a good way.
As part of this journey, leadership also had the opportunity to meet with Niigaan Sinclair, who shared reflections about his father and the values that guided his life’s work. He spoke about how Justice Sinclair always carried his message with humility and believed deeply in schools as places of possibility. Reflecting on the opening of the school, Niigaan shared:
“My father always believed that any school centered around love and community facilitates an opportunity for children to be empowered and encouraged to become anything they want to become, what they are meant to be. Seeing these values embedded in a school named after him is not only exciting, but a step in the direction of truth and reconciliation.”
LRSD is honoured to confirm that the school will be formally named École Mazina-Giizhik, in tribute to the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair. Mazina Giizhik is his spirit name and means “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky” in Anishinaabemowin.
The official naming ceremony will take place on May 6, and LRSD looks forward to marking this meaningful milestone together with students, staff, families, and community members. Additional details will be shared as plans are finalized.
Register to attend through Eventbrite here.
Justice Murray Sinclair’s legacy as a leader in law, education, and reconciliation aligns deeply with the work already happening at the school and in the division. He often reminded us that education is the key to reconciliation and encouraged us to “dare to live greatly, together.” These values are reflected not only in our learning taking place, but also in the design of our school, where imagery of the sky and its stories symbolize belonging, shared values, and hope for the future.
LRSD is also grateful for the continued guidance of the Division’s Council of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Council Grandmother Chickadee Richard is working alongside the Sinclair family, the school division, and the school community to ensure this naming process is approached with care, learning, and respect.
LRSD looks forward to celebrating this important moment together.
