The Reason You Walk

 Some time ago now, a friend recommended I read the book, "The Reason you Walk". It was written by Wab Kinew, the leader of the Manitoba NDP party since 2017. At the last provincial election, Wabanakwut (Wab) Kinew became Manitoba's 25th Premier. He is also the first, First Nations Premier of a Canadian Province. Wab is described as a prominent Canadian politician, author, musician, broadcaster and host on CBC Radio and Television. Overall, he is a multi-talented individual. 

When Wab entered politics he wrote, "The Reason You Walk" to tell his story. His story is one of alcohol and drug abuse, two convictions and how he found his way in the world. He also shares his devotion to his culture, his education and his journey to where he is today. Included in the book is a tribute to his father. During the last year of his dad's life, he shared the personal story of their reconciliation and reconnection. 

Wab's parents, Tobasonakwut and Kathy started dating in the late 1960's as a interracial couple. They welcomed Wab on December 31, 1981, while living in Kenora Ontario. Tobasonakwut was a residential school survivor, a respected former local and regional chief, and a professor specializing in Indigenous governance at the University of Winnipeg. When Tobasonakwut was Chief, he was a huge advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenousness communities. Wab's mother, Dr. Kathy Kinew, M.S.W, Ph.D. has worked for 40 years with the First Nations and their organizations.  

Let me write once again, I am not a political person by any means. When I listen to people speak about politics they usually seem annoyed. They are upset about what the government is or isn't doing. Although I am stepping out of my box to write about politics, I still have my rose colored glasses on, drinking from my cup half full, writing about positive progress this far. I think, okay this party was voted in by the people, let's see what they can do. 

I have always been intrigued with Wab, and even more so since reading his book. For some reason I have decided that I will be following closely how he initiates his political platform. I believe it is time politicians are accountable for what they say they are going to do. 

I am especially interested in how Wab will deal with the issues of homelessness and addiction. The Mayor of Winnipeg has had meetings with Wab and they are developing a plan. The mayor has been to Houston to see what model they are using. It seems to be the one that most suits Winnipeg. The first step is to get the homeless into a home and then deal with their mental health issues and addiction. They have identified that dealing with this community is nearly impossible while they live on the street. I hope this model once initiated will be something that will go to outlining Manitoba communities. 

I really like the "listening tour" the new government has planned, in which they will be speaking directly to health care professionals. They feel it makes the most sense to go to health care workers, to share their challenges and possible solutions. A comment was made in the news release, "the further you get away from the bedside, the worse the decision". On a recent news interview, Wab was asked when the province would see a difference in health care. Currently, the wait time in a Winnipeg ER can be 24 hours. Wab stated that in this coming year there would be a difference, it is going to take some time. It has been a spin cycle of closing ER's, opening ER's, laying off nurses, hiring nurses and now building new hospitals. It is a train wreck and to get health care back on the rails is going to be a huge task. 

There have been news announcements of the NDP government already working on getting more Childcare Spots in the province. Currently, the province needs 21,000 more spots. They are also working to implement a universal meal program for all students in schools.

There is so much in the news about reconciliation. The federal government has tried many times to make it better, and the issue still remains. Wab, has demonstrated that he is going to go to the people for solutions. I have felt that solutions to the Indigenous issues have to come from them. To me writing cheques is not the answer. Writing cheques to fix a specific problem may be an answer. 

I believe we need a starting point. My starting point would be to get drinking water to the people that live in the north. Nothing fancy, a basic system that the people in the community can manage. In the Third World countries they have water; surely, we can do the same in our country. I realize there are so many more problems than drinking water, but let's start somewhere. Food, water and housing are basic needs and make such a difference in the lives of the people that don't have them.

There is so much to be done to "Make things Better". I really believe that all politicians have a plan that will change the lives of others. I feel that Wab will try, as all politicians do. He has a diverse background, lots of education and he seems grounded. His wife is a doctor so that must be beneficial in some of the health care issues. It just makes me wonder, who would want to be a Premier of any province. 

I have just proven to myself that I can write about anything. I have written an entire blog about two things that I know so little about, politics and books. There are actual "Book Blogs" and I like to think of this as my book blog. I am always grateful for recommendations to read certain books. After I read, "The Reason You Walk", I read "Valley of the Birdtail", equally as impressive. My goal is to have a takeaway from every book I read. Attending a book club or writing a book blog would certainly accomplish that goal. I enjoy non-fiction books or books that are based on actual events. I have always thought I should write a book. Not sure what it would be about, I know it wouldn't be my life. It is so much easier to just blog about bits of my life. For now, that is as good as it gets.