Wab Kinew

Wab Kinew is a Canadian politician and the 25th Premier of Manitoba. He was born on December 31, 1981, in Ontario, Canada. Kinew is a member of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba (NDP) and has been serving as the Premier of Manitoba since October 2023.

Early Life and Education

Wab Kinew was born to Dr. Tobasonakwut Kinew and Dr. Kathi Avery Kinew. He is from the Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario. Kinew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Manitoba and a Master's degree in Indigenous Governance from the University of Winnipeg.

Career

Before entering politics, Kinew first enterd the hip-hop industry with the band Dead Indians, His first debut album "Live by the Drum" won the Indigenous Music Awards.He then worked as a broadcaster for the CBC hosting programs like 8th Fire, and The 204. He also worked as an administrator at the University of Winnipeg. Kinew also has written 6 books —We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present, The Everlasting Road, Walking in Two Worlds, Go Show the World and The Reason You Walk.— all published by Penguin Books.

Political career

Kinew was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA) for Fort Rouge in 2016. In 2017, he became the leader of the Manitoba NDP and the leader of the official opposition. He became the Premier of Manitoba in October 2023. Kinew is the first First Nations preimer of Manitoba.

Personal life

Wab Kinew is married to Dr. Lisa Monkman and has three children.