Indigenous parents in Manitoba call Wab Kinew ‘role model’ for kids

After Kinew’s historic election as Manitoba’s first First Nations Premier, parents reflect on what this means for them and their children. Joanne Roberts has the story.

By Joanne Roberts

Posted October 18, 2023 5:23 pm.

Last Updated October 18, 2023 10:34 pm.

Since the election night that catapulted Wab Kinew to become Manitoba’s first First Nations premier, many Indigenous People in the province have been sharing their excitement with their families.

Quentin Mentuck, who lives in Winnipeg but is originally from Waywayseecappo First Nation, felt this was Kinew’s year.

“I had a good feeling that he was going to make it this time,” Mentuck told CityNews.

Throughout Kinew’s campaign, Mentuck often disagreed with his father over who would become premier. But once the votes were cast and it became official that Manitoba was choosing the NDP to replace the Progressive Conservatives, Mentuck says disagreements went out the window.

“My dad was super excited, and I was pretty excited myself,” said Mentuck.

“I knew when I started following him more and more, the way he spoke, the way he asserted himself in the House, that he was going to be a good leader.”

Quentin Mentuck says he and his father disagreed on whether Wab Kinew would become Manitoba’s next premier, but both were excited at the win. (Joanne Roberts, CityNews)

Mentuck, a single father of three young children, says Kinew’s historic win will have impacts on his kids and countless others. He was happy to see Kinew front and centre Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony.

“I think it’s good to see a First Nations premier,” he said. “I think it’s something for our children to look up to. A role model, something for them to see that anything that they put their mind to or put hard work to, that they can accomplish anything.”

‘Its nice to have representation’

Matthew Brian Shorting, from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, says he’s been in constant discussions with his 15-year-old daughter Sage about Kinew’s victory.

“I’ve been asking her, ‘how do you feel about it? What does it mean for you?’” he said.

“She’s said to me that it’s nice to have representation.”

Matthew Brian Shorting and his daughter Sage. (Submitted by: Matthew Brian Shorting)

Shorting, who has met Kinew on multiple occasions, tuned into the swearing-in ceremony Wednesday to witness history. He says although he doesn’t support any one provincial party, he’s excited for him and his daughter to have more Indigenous representation in Manitoba politics.

“I feel like people don’t see the Indigenous excellence or the Indigenous wisdom, and you’re about to see it.”

He also believes Kinew’s victory will push reconciliation forward.