Congratulations pour in for first First Nations Premier

Many politicians and others have begun congratulating Wab Kinew for winning the Manitoba Provincial Election.

Just before 11 p.m., Kinew and the Manitoba NDP were declared the winners of the election, however, at the time it was not yet known if his government would hold a majority or minority power.

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Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was one of the first to congratulate Kinew on X.

Singh Tweeting, “Tonight is a historic night for Manitobans and every Canadian. A huge congratulations to Wab Kinew. The first First Nations Premier elected in Canada. You’ve inspired generations of Indigenous youth to come. With the Manitoba NDP, the future is looking brighter.”

Tonight is a historic night for Manitobans and every Canadian.

A huge congratulations to @WabKinew.

The first First Nations Premier elected in Canada. You've inspired generations of Indigenous youth to come.

With the Manitoba NDP, the future is looking brighter. ????

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 4, 2023

Winnipeg’s Mayor Scott Gillingham also congratulated Kinew on his win. In a release, the mayor said “Kinew and his party clearly have earned the trust and mandate of Manitobans, and I am optimistic about what we can achieve for our city and our province.”

Gillingham added he is excited to work alongside Kinew on “shared priorities that matter to many Winnipeggers,” which includes many infrastructure projects, homelessness, and healthcare.

“Together, we have the opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues our community faces. Our shared vision for a single, comprehensive plan to combat homelessness, inspired by the Houston model, resonates deeply with me. By prioritizing a housing-first approach complemented by wraparound support services and robust data tracking, we can make a real difference in the lives of many, ensuring everyone has a place to call home,” said Gillingham in a statement.

“Mr. Kinew recently said that ‘Winnipeg’s downtown is Manitoba’s downtown,’ and I look forward to working with his government to make enhancements to public safety and expedite the implementation of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan to boost the revitalization of our city’s core.”

Gillingham ended his congratulations statement by saying, “With mutual respect, open dialogue, and common priorities, I am confident we can achieve great progress in the years to come,” before thanking the outgoing Progressive Conservative government for their work over the past few years.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) also wrote to congratulate Kinew on becoming Manitoba’s first Anishinaabe Premier.

“This major milestone signifies a huge accomplishment for First Nations, as the election of an NDP government introduces several representatives who are also citizens of First Nations within the AMC,” read the statement.

The AMC would go on to add the result shows “a powerful affirmation of increased inclusivity and First Nations’ participation and representation within Manitoba’s political landscape.”

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick added, “The election results are a source of great pride for our Nations, marking the first time a First Nation individual has got the top job in this province and will lead this government. We look forward to working closely with Premier Kinew’s government to responsibly and respectfully fulfill the aspirations of First Nations people in Manitoba.

“It’s a new chapter for First Nations in this province. I look forward to collaborating with the premier to address the needs of our member Nations. The willingness of the province to work together is so important to be able to protect and safeguard First Nations’ Inherent and Treaty Rights.”

The AMC also went on to congratulate other First Nations and Indigenous of the NDP team, which include: Ian Bushie, Nahanni Fontaine, Bernadette Smith, Amanda Lathlin, and Eric Redhead.

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Other tweets of congratulations

Congratulations to Premier-designate Wab Kinew on a hard-fought election victory.

I look forward to continuing the collaboration between our two provinces as we address the challenges facing western Canada.

Thank you to Premier Heather Stefanson for your friendship and your…

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) October 4, 2023

Congratulations to Premier Elect Wab Kinew. This is a historic win as he will become the first First Nations Premier in Canada. I respect democracy and our institutions and congratulate him and will work to ensure his government is held to account in our democratic system. pic.twitter.com/V0YilnHdfd

— Kelvin Goertzen (@kelvin_goertzen) October 4, 2023

Congratulations Premier-elect @WabKinew!

It’s a great evening for the @mbndp and one to celebrate across the country! #Manitoba https://t.co/zN7PecK5Rl

— Janet Eremenko (@JanetEremenko) October 4, 2023

Congratulations to Premier-Elect Wab Kinew on becoming the first ever First Nations person to lead a Canadian province. No matter your partisan leanings, this is an historic moment in our country.

— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) October 4, 2023