Speculation has already begun about NDP Leader Ryan Meili’s permanent replacement. Meili announced he was stepping down as leader in light of a seat lost in the Athabasca constituency and a future muddied by a firm stance on COVID measures in the province. Long time MLA Trent Wotherspoon, a two-time contender, put to rest any rumours of reigniting his run citing the need for family time. 

However, a contender may have emerged in the guise of Betty Nippi-Albright, the NDP MLA for Saskatoon Centre. In a tweet thread on the weekend, Nippi-Albright cast the first speculation of her running for the leadership to generally positive responses on the social media platform. 

Nippi-Albright stated in the tweet, “I got into provincial politics to change Saskatchewan for the better - for my kids, for my grandkids, for my community. For those who come after.

Better healthcare. Better education. Better infrastructure. More opportunities. Walking our talk on Reconciliation.”

Nippi-Albright, from the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, earned the seat in the 2020 election and has since served as the opposition critic for First Nations and Métis Relations, Truth and Reconciliation, and the Public Service Commission. A seasoned policy maker and analyst, Nippi-Albright also boasts a familial connection to First Nations leadership dating back to her great grandfather's participation in the evolution of Treaty 4 in 1876. Her consideration of the role signals a potentially groundbreaking course in the life of the party and provincial politics, even though she herself recognizes the challenges should she seek the nomination. 

“I am curious, is Saskatchewan ready for a strong and vocal First Nations woman to lead?”

"I know because racism is so firmly ingrained and because I do not come from a privileged background - it would be extremely difficult to run for leader. And ultimately, for Premier.”

Should Nippi-Albright run, she has a clear signal from the Federation of Sovereign Indiginous Nations. In a tweet, the Federation touted Nippi-Albright as a “bold, charismatic and strong Treaty First Nations Indigenous voice leading in provincial politics.”

Nippi-Albright stated, “Over the next few weeks I will be making my decision in consultation with family, colleagues, supporters, and my community.”