by Wab Kinew, Viking 2015, 273 pages, Hardcover $32
Wab Kinew shares who he is by telling his father's story.
Most Canadians have heard of Wab Kinew either from his reporting on CBC, as host of the 8th Fire documentary series or his involvement with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. However, reading Wab's memoir, you will discover the key to his success as a communicator, educator, and now politician.
The Reason You Walk is an interesting read. It provoked many emotions like anger, sadness and happiness. This book involved hope, healing, and forgiveness. It is a poignant story of a towering but damaged father and his son as they repair their family bond.
"The Reason You Walk points the way toward a new era of reconciliation and redemption," writes bestselling author Joseph Boyden, author The Onenda, in his endorsement of Kinew's book.
However, Wab's story can't be told without recounting his father's story.
Through his storytelling, Wab shares the tragic story of his grandfather's death, his father Tobasonakwut's torturous years at St. Mary's Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, and his time in a TB sanatorium. This along with everything else led to Wab's father's alcohol addiction and the eventual breakup of his family.
Years later, Tobasonakwut would give his father's name to a new son: Wabanakwut. Thus begins Wab's account of his own childhood and his wrestle to find himself. But better yet, he will introduce you to Ndede, his dad, and learn what this hereditary chief taught him about Indigenous traditions, culture, and how to be a strong warrior for his people.
Reconnecting with his people and dad didn't necessarily come voluntarily. When Tobasonakwut receives distressing news, this serves as the catalyst to bring Wab and his father together in a way some estranged families can only hope for.
While this memoir primarily tells the story of an Indigenous family, it is one that non-Natives and evangelicals, in particular, ought to read. Though some may find it controversial, if you want to understand the Aboriginal worldview and how non-natives can learn from our Indigenous peoples, this ought to be required reading. A great book for discovering the reason we walk.
