32
ECOLE 
MAZINA-GIIZHIK 
L: langues et communication – languages and communication, 
E: effort – effort, and S: sécurité – safety. These are values that 
we believe Murray Sinclair would support because he worked 
hard his entire life to make the world a better place.”
Students also shared examples of their learning in action.
“This year, we learnt about some of the traditional medicines 
and we grew cedar, sage, and sweetgrass in our classroom,” 
said Lincoln, one of the students who shared during the 
ceremony. “With the guidance of Mme Reynolds, we 
harvested and dried the sage, and it was used to smudge the 
school this week.”
The ceremony was a powerful reflection of learning, 
community, and connection. Niigaan Sinclair, alongside his 
daughter Sarah Fontaine-Sinclair, spoke about Murray Sinclair’s 
life, legacy, and enduring impact. Their words helped ground the 
event in both personal and collective memory.
In keeping with Cree and Anishinaabe tradition, Niigaan Sinclair 
named Christian Michalik, assistant superintendent Corey 
Kapilik, principal Cam Johnson and vice-principal Lisa Albrecht 
as honorary witnesses to the renaming ceremony. Each received 
a Truth and Reconciliation Commission pin that had belonged to 
Murray Sinclair, symbolizing their shared responsibility to carry 
forward his work and to honour his memory in the years ahead.
The renaming also reflected a deeper commitment within the 
school to create a learning environment rooted in inclusion, 
“Justice Murray Sinclair’s spirit name reminds us that stories 
matter,” superintendent Christian Michalik shared. “That truth 
must be spoken clearly. That the sky holds memory, guidance, 
and hope — and that we are responsible for teaching our children 
how to look up, listen carefully, and see one another fully.”
Mazina Giizhik means “the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the 
Sky,” and students spent time learning about what the name 
represents, along with Murray Sinclair’s remarkable life and 
legacy. His work as a judge, senator and chair of the Truth and 
Reconciliation Commission left a lasting mark on the country, and 
the renaming was framed as a way to carry that legacy forward 
with care and respect.
Students played a central role in the ceremony. The school choir 
sang “Mitêh” by Sherryl Sewepagaham, a Cree-Dene musician and 
educator from Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta. 
The title, which means “heart,” reflected the spirit of the day and 
the school’s emphasis on learning with empathy and purpose.
A group of Kindergarten to Grade 8 students also shared 
their pride in being Aigles and spoke about what they had 
learned throughout the renaming journey, showing a growing 
understanding of identity, community, and reconciliation.
“Murray Sinclair believed in children’s voices and the importance 
of education,” said Bellange, one of the emcees. “At our school we 
are learning what it means to be an eagle; les aigles. A: amitié – 
friendship, I: inclusion – inclusion, G: générosité – generosity, 
On May 6, 2026, a crowd of all ages gathered to celebrate the naming of École Mazina-Giizhik — an important 
and meaningful act of reconciliation. The moment also carried a deep sense of gratitude as the school 
community honoured the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, whose life and legacy continue to inspire students, 
staff, and families across Louis Riel School Division.

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