Wab Kinew

Wab Kinew is a Canadian politician, author, broadcaster, and former university administrator who has served as premier of Manitoba since 2023 and as leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party since 2017.

Wab Kinew is a Canadian politician, author, broadcaster, and former university administrator who has served as the 25th premier of Manitoba since 2023. He is the leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party and the MLA for Fort Rouge. Kinew is widely noted as the first provincial premier of First Nations descent in Canada.

Early life and background

Wab Kinew was born in Kenora, Ontario, on December 31, 1981, and is from the Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario. He is of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) heritage and has described his family background as central to his public work. His father, Tobasonakwut Kinew, was a residential school survivor and Indigenous leader.

Career before politics

Before entering elected office, Kinew worked in media, music, writing, and university administration. He also held senior roles at the University of Winnipeg, including work in Indigenous relations.

Political career

Kinew was elected MLA for Fort Rouge in 2016, became leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party in 2017, and became premier after the party won the 2023 provincial election. He is Manitoba's first Indigenous premier and Canada's first provincial premier of First Nations descent.

Writing

Kinew is a bestselling author and has written books that draw on his life and family history. His 2015 book, The Reason You Walk, is about his childhood and his father's story.

Public profile and significance

Kinew is notable for combining careers in Indigenous advocacy, broadcasting, and politics. His rise to premier has been widely discussed as historically significant for Indigenous representation in Canadian provincial politics.