Manitoba grand chief never thought she'd see an Anishinaabe premier

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick says she never thought she would see the day when the province had an Anishinaabe premier. 

But on Tuesday night that became a reality, as the NDP sailed to victory, cementing leader Wab Kinew as the first First Nations premier of a Canadian province and second Indigenous premier in Manitoba. 

"It's historic for Manitobans, all Manitobans, that they were able to do that," she said, "and that they were able to come together to be able to put NDP in power and to put Wab Kinew as a first Anishinaabe premier." 

A news release from the AMC said Kinew as premier designate "stands as a powerful affirmation of increased inclusivity and First Nations' participation and representation within Manitoba's political landscape."

It's a new chapter for First Nations in the province, the release said.

"It's very historic for our people, all the people that supported him, all the Manitobans who supported him," Merrick said.

Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand said in a news release that he believes both Louis Riel and John Norquay "would be very proud to see that this day has come and that an Indigenous person is once again leading our province." 

While Kinew's historic victory is being celebrated across the country, on Wednesday he repeated his campaign message: becoming an Indigenous premier wasn't a crux of the campaign. 

"If along the way they elected an Indigenous premier, then I would say that's another testament to our country moving forward," Kinew said.

"But this election was about health care and this election was about rejecting division in the face of the chance to work together for the future.

"And so, that's the focus that I'll have. I didn't run on being the first First Nations premier. I put my name on the ballot to try and be the best premier." 

Politicians celebrate victory 

Congratulatory messages also poured in for Kinew Wednesday from politicians at all levels, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Northern affairs minister Dan Vandal, who is Métis, said despite the Liberal collapse in Manitoba, seeing the province elect its first First Nations premier was a bright spot. 

"That's a joyful day, and I'm really happy the NDP were able to fight off a campaign of hate and intolerance and I think that sends a good message for politics," he said. 

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said Wednesday that she was feeling "so fresh after last night," referring to the Manitoba NDP win. 

Stiles said she's spoken to Kinew a few times over the last few months and was out celebrating as she watched the results come in Tuesday night.

What was really remarkable was that Kinew ran a "really positive and hopeful campaign," she said.

"I think it was a good night for Manitoba, it was a good night for Canada," Stiles said. 

Merrick said while she wasn't able to speak to Kinew on Tuesday night, she did reach out to him yesterday morning, while polls were still open, expressing her belief in him as a leader. 

"I believe in him as a leader and I believe in him as to what he can do and what work he can do for all Manitobans," she said.