From Shamattawa to the legislature

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/06/2022 (1229 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eric Redhead got emotional as he was sworn in as MLA for Thompson at a ceremony in which family, friends and First Nations leaders from northern Manitoba gathered at the legislature to support the former chief’s transition to provincial politics.

Redhead was sworn in by Patricia Chaychuk, clerk of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, following a procession that included drumming and singing by the White Horse Singers, and a prayer from Pastor Marty McLean of Encounter Life Ministries.

The 36-year-old held back tears as he promised to work for the people of northern Manitoba and people across the province during a brief address to the crowd, which included family from across Canada and his four children Sage, Sweetgrass, Shimmer and Starlit.

“I’ll put my heart and soul into it. Thank you,” he said.

Redhead was elected on June 7, defeating Progressive Conservative candidate Charlotte Larocque in the Thompson byelection, 1,465 votes to 581. The byelection was called following the death of NDP MLA Danielle Adams, who died in a vehicle crash on Highway 6 on Dec. 9, 2021.

After a photo session with dozens of supporters — including about 30 people who were on four charter flights south from Shamattawa First Nation — the new MLA told the Free Press he was overcome with emotion while reflecting on the journey that led him to the legislature.

“Growing up in Shamattawa, it wasn’t ideal living conditions and opportunities. This, you never really thought, was possible,” said Redhead, who served two terms as chief of Shamattawa before stepping down to run for the New Democratic Party. “It hit me like a train that this is real and all the hurdles and limitations that I faced growing up can be overcome.

“Seeing the elders, the MLAs, the family from all over, the support that I knew I had, seeing it all in one room put it all together.”

Redhead said rebooting the foot care clinic in Thompson, addressing the nursing shortage at Thompson General Hospital and getting northern roads repaired are at the top of his agenda.

He said he will make the same roughly 800-kilometre commute between Thompson and Winnipeg that Adams made on a regular basis, adding he hopes to carry on the work she was unable to finish.

“She left some really big shoes to fill. I hope I can do her justice,” he said. “I want to thank the constituents of Thompson for putting their trust in me to represent them… and I’m going to do my best to fight on their behalf.”

“Eric worked hard to get where he is today and I know he will continue to work hard to make life better for the families in his constituency.” NDP Leader Wab Kinew

Shamattawa Chief Jordna Hill said it was important for the community to bring elders, friends, family and leaders to the ceremony to show support for Redhead.

“This role is going to be tough and he has a lot of northern Manitoba to look after. He’ll have to take it step by step, slow, and not rush things,” Hill said. “He has a lot of hard work ahead of him. I’m happy for him.”

The addition of Redhead to the legislative Assembly is a step towards better representation for Manitobans and opening up the provincial government to its citizens, NDP Leader Wab Kinew said.

“Eric worked hard to get where he is today and I know he will continue to work hard to make life better for the families in his constituency,” Kinew said. “He will be an incredible MLA and he makes our team stronger.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca