From Storytelling to Stewardship: Wab Kinew’s Journey to Leadership

“We are all leaders and role models in some capacity. You are already a leader. You are already a role model. You have an amazing impact on your family, on your community, on your nation… and as part of the world as well.”

With these inspiring words, Connected North host Waukoman Pawis welcomed students as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.

Students joined from many Connected North schools across the country, including Eliza Van Bibber School, Ahgwahbuush Memorial School, Sioux North High School, North Caribou Lake School, John George Martin Memorial School, Porter Creek Secondary School, and Open Roads Public School. Guests from the Yukon Department of Education also tuned in for the occasion.

When he joined the call, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew shared the story of his upbringing in Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in rural Ontario, how his name was shortened from Wabanakwut while playing hockey, and how he eventually moved to Winnipeg for education and employment. Before entering politics nine years ago, he worked in radio, television broadcasting, publishing, and academia.

The Premier went on to describe his path into politics. He was elected as MLA, then quickly becoming leader of his party, and eventually winning the general election. “I became the premier, which is a great honor of my life…best job in the world,” he said proudly. He even showed students his official certificate for being Premier, displayed alongside beadwork of him changing a car tire, a moment that once went viral.

He spoke candidly about the highs and lows of what it’s like to be Premier. He relayed stories about visiting the White House, meeting the Prime Ministers, and connecting with schools across the country on good days, and sleepless nights when people were in trouble. He recalled losing the 2019 election and the challenge of rebuilding. “One of the most important experiences on the way to winning was I had to lose first, and I had to build myself and the team back up after that. When you lose, it basically feels like you’ve just gotten dumped and except you’ve been dumped by a whole province.”

He shared with students what it was like to rebuild during the four years before running again, describing the dedication, effort, and mindset it required. “I hope you understand that, on the one hand, a self defeating attitude is a self fulfilling prophecy, meaning, if you don’t believe you can do something, you won’t be able to do it. But on the flip side, if you do believe you can do something, that’s the first step towards being able to make it happen,” the Premier encouraged.

He emphasized that this advice applies beyond politics. “If you’re going to be a hockey player, any kind of athlete, if you’re going to be an academic, you’re going to be a writer, if you’re going to be an artist, if you’re going to own a business, whatever it is that you want to do in your life, I think it’s the same idea. You have to have that confidence and that belief in yourself. You have to put in the work, not just one day, but over a long period of time. When you do encounter setbacks, you have to find a way to persevere, you have to find resilience, or you have to find a way to bounce back,”

Throughout the session, Premier Kinew reminded students that their journey would prepare them, even if life grows more challenging. “When I think about young people, particularly if you come from a northern community or a First Nation, or maybe you face different barriers, I just encourage you to know that this world is yours. This world has a place for you.”

He rallied students with a final message: “If you come from a community of 700 people and were born in a small rural hospital and lived in a rez house when you were a kid, then guess what? You could be the premier, or maybe your generation, you’ll be the prime minister, or you’ll be a CEO…But main thing is, you can do it and just have that positive attitude and work with people along the way,”

Sessions like this one with Premier Wab Kinew embody the spirit of Connected North Well-being Model. When students hear from role models who have faced challenges and achieved success, they build confidence and see new possibilities, and hope for the future. Contributing to Connected North creates more opportunities for inspiration and learning, and more moments filled with hope for the future.