We are proud to announce that our Co-Managing Partner, Harold “Sonny” Cochrane, K.C., has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) at the University of Manitoba. His three-year term will begin in September 2025 and will see him contribute to shaping the future direction of Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institution.
This appointment reflects Sonny’s decades-long commitment to community advancement, his trailblazing leadership in Indigenous law, and his dedication to ensuring that Indigenous voices are present in all aspects of institutional leadership. As a Cree lawyer from Fisher River Cree Nation and the first Cree lawyer in Manitoba to be appointed King’s Counsel, Sonny has consistently used his platform to advocate for justice, equity, and the advancement of Indigenous rights.
About the President’s Advisory Council
The President’s Advisory Council is a strategic body that brings together some of the province’s most respected voices across business, law, healthcare, education, and the non-profit sector. Its role is to provide high-level counsel to the President of the University of Manitoba on the institution’s key initiatives and long-term planning. PAC members contribute insight that helps shape university priorities, strengthen donor and community relationships, and support innovation across education and research.
Just as importantly, the Council serves as a vital bridge between the university and the broader community. Through the perspectives of its members, the PAC helps ensure the university remains connected to the evolving needs of Manitoba’s diverse population. The inclusion of Indigenous leadership and knowledge is a key priority, and Sonny’s appointment is a meaningful step in advancing that vision.
Sonny’s Role and Impact
In his new role, Sonny will:
- Provide strategic guidance on major institutional projects and long-range planning
- Help strengthen the university’s relationship with Indigenous communities across the province
- Support community engagement initiatives that expand the university’s reach and relevance
- Offer insight on how Indigenous perspectives can be reflected in academic governance and policy
- Promote research, education, and innovation through an equity-driven lens
Sonny brings a unique combination of legal expertise, community ties, and lived experience that will deeply enrich the work of the Council. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with First Nations governments on self-government negotiations, child welfare jurisdiction, business development, and constitutional matters related to treaties. He is also a driving force within Cochrane Sinclair’s class action legal group, which is focused on addressing historical harms experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.
A Legacy of Leadership in Service of Community
Sonny’s appointment to the President’s Advisory Council is part of a long legacy of leadership rooted in service, cultural pride, and justice. Beyond his legal achievements, he has actively served on the boards of organizations like the United Way of Winnipeg and the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce. His contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, a reflection of his tireless efforts toward reconciliation.
This new role further expands his influence as a thought leader and changemaker, not just in the legal world, but in shaping the future of education and leadership in Manitoba. By contributing his voice to the PAC, Sonny will help embed Indigenous values and worldviews into the fabric of post-secondary education, ensuring that the University of Manitoba continues to grow as a space of inclusion, learning, and forward-thinking leadership.
Join Us in Celebrating This Milestone
We invite our colleagues, clients, and community members to join us in congratulating Sonny on this important appointment. We are honoured to work alongside him as he continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. His role on the President’s Advisory Council is a testament to his remarkable career and the transformative impact he continues to have across Manitoba and beyond.
