Wab Kinew officially sworn in as Manitoba's 1st First Nations premier
CBC
Wab Kinew has officially become Manitoba's 25th premier, and the first First Nations premier of a Canadian province, following a colourful and tradition-filled swearing-in ceremony that Kinew said marked the dawn of a new day for the province.
Kinew took his oath of office, which was administered by Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, while wearing a ceremonial First Nations headdress in a ceremony at The Leaf in Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park.
After taking his oath, Kinew greeted the crowd in the languages of seven different Manitoba Indigenous nations, and said Wednesday was the start of a new era.
"Today is a new day in our province. Today, a new era begins and today we get to work for you, the people of Manitoba," he said.
"We're committed to putting the people of Manitoba first, and we will devote every single day of the next four years to serving you and the future generations that will some day walk these lands."
WATCH | Kinew promises 'new day' for Manitoba in 1st speech as premier:
During his first speech as premier, Kinew stressed that fixing health care remains his government's top priority.
He called on health-care workers to be patient and stick around to help make the changes that are necessary.
"Help is coming. We need you to stay on the front lines."
Wednesday's ceremony was steeped in Indigenous culture to mark the historic moment.
It began with the lighting of the quilliq, a traditional Inuit oil lamp, and later featured traditional drumming and singing by Sioux Valley's Dakota Hotain Singers and the Red River jig performed by Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, a Métis music and dance group.
It also includes remarks from First Nations leaders such as Murray Sinclair, a former judge and senator who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Kinew's election as premier is Manitoba's "true act of reconciliation," said Sinclair.
"I want you to think of it that way. I want you to think of the fact that we are now entering a new phase," he said to loud applause.
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