How Wab Kinew’s victory can inspire the next generation

History was made in Manitoba Tuesday night, as Wab Kinew became the first First Nations Premier in the province. So, what impact could this historic victory have for young Indigenous kids not only in Manitoba, but across Canada?

“I want to speak to young Neechees in particular. I was given a second chance in life, and I would like to think that I have made good on that opportunity, and you can do the same,” said Premier-elect Kinew during his speech Tuesday night.

Salena Starling, President of Community of Big Hearts says having Kinew as Manitoba’s Premier-elect is a pillar of hope for Indigenous youth like herself.

“We deserve to see this change, and we are so happy to finally see it happening,” said Starling.

“For myself, being a foster care survivor, being 18 years old, getting to see this change happen, it gives me a sense of hope and especially the thousands of Indigenous youth across Canada, seeing the first First Nations Premier in Canadian history. It’s crucial, it’s incredible and it’s a beautiful ting that has happened.”

Those feelings echoed by Youth Chief Trechelle Bunn, calling the victory for Kinew a massive win for Indigenous youth.

“He (Wab Kinew) really is a trailblazer for our people, and he definitely is someone that you will look up to and know that they can see someone represented in this space now and know that they can see it, believe it, achieve it and do it and Wab really did break down those barriers for us,” explained Bunn.

Indingenous advocate Kyle Mason watched Tuesday night play out, and couldn’t help but think what the victory means for his 10-year-old son.

“He’s going to grow up in a world where Indigenous Peoples can hold offices like Premier and probably someday in the future Prime Minister. It’s a game changer for a lot of people,” said Mason.

Kinew becomes the first First Nations Premier in Manitoba history, but History Professor Adele Perry says he’s not the first Indigenous Premier – as Louis Riel, who has been argued as Manitoba’s first Premier, was Metis, and John Norquay, Manitoba’s fifth Premier from 1878-1887, was also Metis.

Perry, however, says having 136 years without an Indigenous leader tells us a great deal about the settler colonial order that unfolded in Manitoba.

“The election of Kinew as Premier-elect in the province of Manitoba is a meaningful shift and is a shift that suggest that the colonial order that was built through law, practice and violence throughout the end of the 19th century and 20th century is being challenged in real ways,” explained Adele Perry, Professor of history, women’s and gender studies at the University of Manitoba.

As for Starling, she believes this is just the beginning of many firsts.

“Being Indigenous and First Nations myself, getting to see this change happen while I am alive, it’s incredible. Getting to see representation, is really important, especially for Indigenous youth to see that.”