Wab Kinew Makes History as First Nations Premier in Manitoba

• Wab Kinew becomes first First Nations premier of a Canadian province.

• Kinew's victory speech emphasizes personal responsibility for positive change.

• Kinew has a diverse background as a rapper, broadcaster, and university administrator.

Wab Kinew attends the second annual Orange Shirt Day Survivors Walk and Pow Wow on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sept. 30, 2022. The Canadian province of Mani

AP

In a groundbreaking turn of events, the Canadian province of Manitoba has elected its first-ever First Nations premier, Wab Kinew. The announcement has ignited a wave of hope and excitement among Manitobans, as this historic victory signifies a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and representation.

Wab Kinew's story is truly remarkable. Raised on the Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario, Kinew later moved to Winnipeg with his family. However, the path to his current position was not without its challenges. His late father, like many others, was denied the right to vote under outdated Canadian laws. But Kinew's triumph serves as a beacon of hope for all those who have faced barriers and discrimination.

During his impassioned victory speech, Kinew addressed young Indigenous people and individuals from various backgrounds, urging them to take control of their own destinies. He emphasized the importance of personal agency, stating that if one desires to leave behind a destructive lifestyle, pursue a new career, or overcome personal struggles, the decision must come from within. A government can pave the way, but true transformation starts with individual determination.

At 41 years old, Wab Kinew brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background to his role as premier. Before entering politics, he made a name for himself as a rapper, broadcaster, and university administrator. Kinew's commitment to education is evident, having studied economics at university before becoming a prominent radio host on the renowned Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His subsequent appointment as the first director of Indigenous inclusion at the University of Winnipeg further solidified his dedication to fostering positive change.

In 2016, Kinew ventured into politics and successfully secured a seat in the NDP stronghold of Fort Rouge in Winnipeg. This marked a significant turning point in his career and laid the foundation for his incredible ascent to the position of premier. Kinew's victory not only holds personal significance but also carries a broader historical weight.

While John Norquay, hailing from the Métis community, became Manitoba's fifth premier in 1878, Wab Kinew is the first First Nations person to assume such a role. The representation of Métis individuals in elected office has existed for decades, but the inclusion of First Nations people at this level is a relatively recent occurrence. It wasn't until the 1950s and '60s that First Nations people were finally granted the right to vote unconditionally in provincial and federal elections in Canada.

The election of Wab Kinew as premier has been hailed as a momentous achievement by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick expressed her excitement for this new chapter in First Nations' history within the province. She eagerly anticipates collaborating with the premier to address the needs and concerns of their member Nations, signifying a step toward collaboration, understanding, and progress.

As the excitement settles and the work begins, Manitobans are brimming with optimism. The election of Wab Kinew breaks down barriers, setting the stage for a more diverse and inclusive political landscape. The power of representation cannot be underestimated, for it conveys a sense of belonging and affirmation to marginalized communities. With Kinew at the helm, the first page of a new chapter in Manitoba's history is being written, and the promise of a more equitable future looms large on the horizon.