The Man of Many Hats - Wab Kinew

Meeting Wab after he wins Canada Reads 2014.

If you know of Wab Kinew then you already know he is a man who has worn many hats throughout his life. In the few years since I met him, he's been a defender, a host, and an author of both a memoir and a children's book and is currently a politician. I say currently because Wab is only 37 years old and I'm sure has many more amazing hats to wear. He's also been a broadcaster, rapper, and educator and has often been recognized for his contributions in these fields.
 
The first time I saw Wab Kinew was at Canada Reads 2014 when he was defending the book the Orenda by Joseph Boyden. Between his charismatic personality and eloquent and powerful defense it was no surprise when his novel won Canada Reads 2014.

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Wab hosts Canada Reads 2015.

Many of us in the audience that week suggested he should run for Prime Minister. As it turns out Wab is now the leader of the NDP and the official opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. Which begs the question did we planted a seed or watered a seed that was already there.
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In 2015, Wab hosted Canada Reads. After winning the previous year Canada Reads fans were already familiar with him and looked forward to seeing how he did on the other side of the table. Wab did not disappoint. He was a great host and many of us looked forward to him returning in 2016 but that was not to be. Wab decided to enter politics. He also wrote his first book The Reason You Walk the powerful and moving story of his relationship with his father.

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Wab signing his children's book at the Appel Salon in 2018.

In the fall of 2015, Wab was interviewed for his book at the Appel Salon by Carol Ott of CBC radio. He then returned to the Salon in 2018 to promote his first children's book Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes.
 
So what is next for Wab Kinew? Who knows. I can only imagine that he will continue to do amazing things in his life, and it will be exciting to see what's next as his life continues to unfold.

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