McNally Robinson
Grant Park, in the Atrium 1120 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg
A reading, a conversation about the people and stories behind the book, and a Q&A, hosted by co‑author Stu Slayen.
The Memoir · In stores now
With a Name Like Chief
Reflections on Recovery and Identity Through the Seven Sacred Teachings
Book launch event
From the foreword
There needs to be a compelling reason to write a book—a purpose that is greater than the author. Otherwise, why write? My friend Kevin Chief understands this intuitively. In this, his first book, he is keenly focused on sharing personal stories and insights that I believe can help and inspire people. As many in Manitoba and elsewhere in Canada know, Chief is a gifted and engaging public speaker. In this volume, he has captured the same passion he shows at the podium while bravely telling some stories he has never shared publicly before.
In stores now
Kevin's memoir, With a Name Like Chief.
Buy from HighWater Press →In paperback
The audiobook, read by Kevin
Inside the book
In his own frank and honest words, Kevin recounts growing up in poverty in Winnipeg's North End and in a single-parent home with his father's alcoholism, becoming an MVP basketball star and captain of his university team, finding his way to recovery, and being elected to the Manitoba legislature twice. He shares how educators and mentors helped him along the way, and how the Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe have guided his recovery and his sense of identity.
A few of the people and stories you will learn about in the book.
The Seven Sacred Teachings
“Together, and on their own, the teachings offer a solid framework for understanding your past, for shaping your future, and for living a good life.” Kevin Chief, With a Name Like Chief
Seven values the Anishinaabe have carried for generations: wisdom, respect, humility, truth, honesty, courage, and love - each teaching associated with an animal.
Kevin learned the teachings in 2002, during his first year of sobriety, from the late Elder Dr. Dave Courchene Jr. and Lisa Meeches, while building an in-school program about them in Winnipeg. They gave him a way to understand where he came from and where he was going. His memoir is built on them.
Wisdom Beaver
The beaver builds with the gifts it was given; its actions guided by patience and persistence. That is what wisdom asks of us. Wisdom is the perspective to care about someone and work out how to help them get to where they are trying to go.
By cultivating our own wisdom, we make our best decisions, and make our greatest contributions.
Respect Buffalo
Respect starts from within, respecting yourself. Then it turns outward towards family, friends, neighbours, community, and even the people who see the world differently than you do.
With respectful relationships, I believe that real dialogue can take root and that we can solve our greatest challenges.
Humility Wolf
A wolf cannot survive alone, and neither can we. Humility is admitting that. It is the teaching that helps us during our most challenging moments. Every recovery story starts with asking for help.
There can be no recovery without humility. And there can be no recovery without community.
Truth Turtle
The turtle is slow, steady, and it endures. So does the truth. The hard truths of this country's history, and the honest truths about your own life, all have to be faced before anything can move forward.
Like the truth, the turtle endures.
Honesty Sabe
Honesty is more than telling the truth to other people. It is doing the work to know who you really are, your roots and your story, so you can stand comfortable in your own skin.
Do hard, honest work to discover your roots and to be your most authentic self.
Courage Bear
The bear is a protector, and protecting the people you love takes more than strength. Courage means doing the hard thing while you are scared, including being open about what hurts.
I believe we are all more connected through our vulnerabilities than we are through our strengths.
Love Eagle
The eagle soars high above the sky and sees the furthest. Love has that kind of view. It reminds us of the bigger picture and wanting good for someone, even on the days they cannot see it themselves.
The eagle flies high. It can see everything. It has perspective.
The teachings serve as the framework for the book.
In the memoir, each teaching is shared to present parts of Kevin's life. The stories show what the teachings look like when real people live them out.
Where to buy →Book testimonials
Four voices from recovery, journalism, healthcare, and public life.
By shedding colonialism and residential school trauma, and returning to Anishinaabeg spiritual values, Kevin Chief follows a path of Indigenous renaissance to wholeness and wellness. Bazigwiin! Stand up! The Indigenous renewal is here.
Dr. Martin BrokenlegLakota · Co-author, Reclaiming Youth at Risk
Kevin is a remarkable person who cares deeply about community. He shares the experiences that shaped his life—from special teachers to jigging, basketball, youth leadership, and political success. Thought-provoking, humorous, and inspiring, his story is truly worth reading.
Gary Doerformer Manitoba Premier and Ambassador to the United States of America
Kevin’s deeply personal story offers insight into the heart and mind of one of our community’s most charismatic leaders. In sharing the truth of how he overcame the barriers created by a childhood marked by poverty and shame, Kevin bravely shows what true resilience from our people looks like.
Lenard MonkmanJournalist, CBC
As an addictions physician, I see these stories every day—but rarely told with this much honesty. What Kevin Chief offers here is not just an account of survival, but insight into how connection, culture, and even something as simple as a game can interrupt cycles of trauma that were never his fault to begin with.
Lisa Monkman, MD, CCFPAddictions physician
“When you have community, people who care about you, passion, and a good work ethic, anyone can be elected to public office, anyone can lead, anyone can succeed. Even with a name like Chief.”Kevin Chief, With a Name Like Chief
Bringing the book into a classroom, community, or organization
What's available
- Bulk orders, arranged directly through HighWater Press.
- Author visits, with Kevin in the room with students, staff, or both.
- Staff and professional development sessions, for leaders using the book with their teams.
- Readings and community events, including recovery and youth programs.
The memoir is written for young people, and for those who work with them: teachers, coaches, and parents.
Reach out to us
Tell us about your group, the event, and the date and time. We can work with you on the details, whether that's books, a visit, or both.
Get in touch →