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Interview with Waubgeshig Rice
March 19th, 2009By Billy Granger
To television viewers across the province, the face of Waubgeshig Rice is likely a familiar one. Working as a reporter for the CBC’s News at Six program in Winnipeg, Waubgeshig (or Waub, as he is most often called) graces the TV screen several nights a week bringing Manitobans the stories that matter most to them. But Waub is more than just another face on the TV screen; he is a First Nations man with a lot to say. He is also a living testament to the value of strong, supportive families, hard work, and optimism.
Among all the remarkable experiences and good fortune Rice has had in his life, he reflects most positively on growing up in his home community of Wasauksing First Nation in southern Ontario, just a stone’s throw from Parry Sound.
“Growing up there was probably my greatest learning experience,” says Rice. Enthusiasm and pride are audible in his voice. Even though he “didn’t grow up with much” in these humble surroundings, his upbringing left a profoundly positive mark on his life. “Wasauksing is very tight-knit community, and I have a very large family. It was a really positive environment to grow up in.” Of course, Rice notes, like all communities, it has its faults, but quickly diminishes the claim by recounting the area’s natural splendor.
“Wasauking is located on an island – a big rock, basically. I pretty much grew up right on the water. I took it for granted as a kid, not really appreciating it until I left.”
Waub is referring to when he left home in 1996 through a Rotary Club International program that brought him to Germany, a place he called home for some time.
“Germany was totally different than the Rez,” says Rice with a chuckle. But while in Germany, Rice discovered that the Germans welcomed him with open arms and were intrigued by his ethnicity. Upon returning to Canada, Rice enrolled in Ryerson University, eventually graduating with a BA in journalism in 2002. He began his broadcasting career working for the Weather Network in 2003, and then in 2006, was picked up by the CBC in Winnipeg.
After being away from home for so many years, it is clear how his past informs his current worldview. When he talks about the boreal forest on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, for instance, it is clear that he is in a headspace that fully appreciates the natural world.
“Our natural resources are our most precious,” says Rice. “I come from the bush, so I don’t exactly want to see it mowed down to have a bunch of power lines through it.” On that note, Rice adds that we must do better at finding a balance between embracing industry and protecting the environment. On this token, our conversation leads to talking about the biggest challenges facing this generation.
“For young Aboriginal people, it has to do with carving out their identity. They’re the fastest growing demographic in Canada, so it’s important for them to identify themselves,” he said, later speaking of the importance of protected area initiatives like the one Fisher River Cree Nation is leading. The Provincial Park proposal aims to protect part of the community’s traditional territory from industrial development. This protection would allow the community to benefit from forms of economic development that promote traditional ways of life.
“Projects like these are great, as they promote traditional ways of life and uses of the land,” Rice says, adding that they “promote how nature is there for us.” Waub is in a special place to comment on the project’s significance, coming from a community that has also benefited from eco-tourism. “It’s best if a community can generate economic benefit without ruining what’s there,” he said.
“Generally speaking, though, I think the greatest challenge for this generation is ecological,” says Rice. “Climate is changing due to our industrial ambitions, especially given that it’s only been going on for 150 years. We’ve changed the earth. It’s up to this generation to embrace industry in a way that acknowledges we came from the earth.”
