A tap on the shoulder

	Kevin Chief

With a name like “Chief,” my Filipino friends tease me about how I hardly resemble a towering Datu Lapu-Lapu, as most would expect. Growing up in Winnipeg North, I’ve learned a lot about the differing cultures (and perceptions) that filled my neighbourhood as a child. I grew up with a diverse group of friends who always offered me a different way of looking at the world. Even to this day, Nanay Letty, who helped care for me as a child, still welcomes me into her store like one of her own anak (child) returning to visit. As a life-long North Ender, I know everything positive in my life has come from the people who believed in me.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the North End. As an indigenous person, I think I’ve heard them all – both good and bad. I grew up poor like many did in my neighbourhood and often that sight of poverty overshadowed what potential we had hidden away. Although I admit that I’ve had my share of challenges in my youth, I know I’ve had a greater share of love and support to overcome them. In 1998, I graduated from the University of Winnipeg on a full scholarship because my teachers and coaches at Strathcona Elementary, Isaac Newton Junior High and Tech Voc High schools took the time to nurture my own self-confidence as a student and athlete. Today, I complete a Masters’ in Education because I believe so strongly in its power to lift our youth from needless struggle.

There are a lot of ideas out there on how best to revitalize and invest in Winnipeg North. For me, the answer is one that is already obvious to the Filipino community – educate our youth. Believe in them and foster them so they understand that there is no greater wealth than knowledge. Whatever circumstances exist for them; whether they live rich or poor, shy or confident, there is security in knowing that absolutely no one can take away the power they build from learning. I’ve seen again and again that this dream is so strong that Filipino parents spend lifetimes in sacrifice to give this to their children.

In the coming weeks, my wife Melanie and I will welcome our baby “Chief” into this world. I dream that our little one will never know the hardships that I once knew so well. I am convinced also that as our anak grows, his or her peers will also believe in something positive to belong to, through hard work and plain tenacity. That is, if we take the time now to give them that “tap on the shoulder” and teach them to believe that anything is possible. To step forward together, I feel this is all we have to do.

Kevin Chief is the coordinator for the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of Winnipeg. He is also the Executive Director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) and the NDP Candidate for Winnipeg North MP.

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