We should always be friends — Wab Kinew to Donald Trump and all Americans

I like Wab Kinew, a lot. If we moved in the same circles I think we could easily be friends.

Wabanakwut, the 25^th Premier of Manitoba has been an author, musician, broadcaster and university administrator. He is best known as a host of programming on CBC Radio and CBC Television. Kinew is Canada’s first provincial premier of First Nations descent, and Manitoba’s first Indigenous premier since Métis Premier John Norquay in 1887.

I highly recommend his memoir The Reason you Walk published by CBC Books.

Born to an Anishinaabe father and a non-native mother, he has a foot in both cultures. He is a Sundancer, an academic, a former rapper, a hereditary chief, and an urban activist. His memoir is truth-telling and spiritually uplifting.

Kinew has a no-nonsense straight-forward though gentle style of writing and speaking. His political style is thoughtful and kind. Compared with other Canadian premiers he is a breath of fresh air. With other provincial and federal politicians he has stepped up to comment on the Trump administration’s intention to annex Canada as the 51^st state.

His theme is friendship. One wonders which, if any, American legislators, staffers, or media watchers might respond to his words and sentiments. His view of the US/Canada relationship is warm, supportive, respectful, responsive, and reciprocal. What a contrast to the bellicose, law-defying, historically ignorant, self-aggrandizing messages streaming north presently from many American administrators. Maybe, just maybe, a few Republican senators or members of congress might pause, even briefly, to imagine a different relationship with their long-time national partner, Canada. In Kinew’s words, our geography keeps us together.

Despite a lack of response, Kinew’s message, and similar messages from Justin Trudeau, Charlie Angus, and in some clips, Pierre Poilievre, are worth sharing. They create a composite picture of who we are as Canadians—or who we should be. If nothing else, all disruption and anxiety notwithstanding, Canadians have found our voice of pride—until now, unnecessary—for now and going forward, essential.

A few days ago I spoke with the Bishop of Panama, Archbishop Julio Murray. Like us Canadians, he and the Panamanian people must confront the outlandish claims, insults, and threats of Trump and company who want the reclaim the Panama Canal. Originally in US hands since 1904, since 1977 custody was shared between the US and Panama until completely transferred to Panama in 1999. Typically for Trump, the US has “been treated badly” and it “was a foolish gift that should never have been made.” It seems the great deal maker is an even better deal breaker. Time will tell if the Panamanian people can find the resolve we presently enjoy here in Canada.

I include Kinew’s text below; go here to watch the Instagram video. Enjoy.  

Canada will never be the 51st state, but can be your number 1 friend.

We fought in World Wars together.
We defeated fascism and communism.
We stand up for democracy.

We have answered the call on fentanyl and on the border.
We don’t want tariffs.
Because we’re so close together, it’ll only raise prices for all of us.

We’re a nation of hockey players.
We know how to stand up for ourselves.
At the same time, we know how to go for a beer together once the game is over. 🍻

The winds of change can blow through politics, but they’ll never change geography.

We will always be neighbours.

We should always be friends.

[Oh, did I mention (as does Kinew) that we won the hockey game.]