Kevin Chief Book Launch

Thu. Sep. 24 04:00 PM

The University of Winnipeg is pleased to host the launch of With a Name Like Chief: Reflections on Recovery and Identity Through the Seven Sacred Teachings, the inspiring new memoir by UWinnipeg alumnus and former Wesmen athlete Kevin Chief (BA 98), published by Portage & Main Press.

Thursday, September 24, 2026
4 - 6 p.m.
Dr. David F. Anderson Gymnasium, Duckworth Centre
400 Spence Street

Hosted by Dr. Jino Distasio, UWinnipeg Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, this special event will celebrate Kevin’s remarkable journey and the release of a powerful memoir that explores resilience, recovery, identity, and the transformative impact of mentorship and community.

All are welcome to attend. Books will be available to purchase.

About the Book

In With a Name Like Chief, Kevin frankly and honestly recounts growing up in poverty in Winnipeg’s North End, navigating the challenges of growing up in a single-parent home with his alcoholic father, becoming an MVP basketball star and captain of his university team, overcoming his own alcohol addiction to find recovery, and being elected to the Manitoba legislature twice.

Along the way, Kevin shares how many educators and mentors helped him succeed, as well as insights into how the Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe have guided his addiction recovery and helped him gain a sense of his identity.

About Kevin Chief

Kevin Chief is a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation (Pine Creek). Born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, Kevin has dedicated his career to community and leadership development, including as co-founder of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. From 1993-1998, he played for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen men's basketball team, earning recognition as a Great Plains First Team All-Star. He is currently Community Ambassador for the Southern Chiefs' Organization, chairperson for Neeginan Education, Training and Employment Services, and Senior Advisor at True North Sports and Entertainment. Kevin is also well known as a high steppin’ square dancer with the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers. Kevin will be honoured with a University of Winnipeg Distinguished Alumni Award: Community Impact at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Night on October 29, 2026.