Multi-talented Ojibway hip-hop artist/host/journalist and activist Wab Kinew will be the special guest at the ‘Hip’ Career Fair at Acwsalcta School on Thursday, April 11.
Winnipeg-based Kinew has worked hard to bring national attention to first nation’s issues, and most recently was the TV host of CBC’s documentary series, 8th Fire, on aboriginal peoples.
Kinew now travels the globe speaking about issues important to first nations people, but he remains rooted in his traditional Anishinaabe culture.
“When I was a young boy, I had a vision telling me to become a pipe carrier. Since then I've had many excellent wisdom keepers take the time to show me the traditional ways of the Anishinaabe and Lakota peoples,” said Kinew. “At one point, I turned down an academic scholarship at an American university so that I could be closer to my grandpa and learn from him. In hindsight, this was a great move because today I feel grounded in the traditional Anishinaabe world view, and I still earned a degree closer to home.”
Most recently, Kinew has earned admiration for his role in leading the CBC’s coverage for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's first national event in Winnipeg.
“I was honoured to tell the stories of many Residential School Survivors and even one of their teachers. Most meaningful on a personal level was the chance to tell my father and and my family’s story,” said Kinew. “That piece has racked up awards and accolades, but perhaps more importantly, has lead many non-Natives to tell me it helped them develop empathy towards the Survivors and their descendants.”
In addition to journalism, Kinew is also a talented musician who has released several albums. At the JOB RAP, attendees can take in some of Kinew’s music, as he is scheduled to perform.