Selkirk NDP

Mitch Obach is an educator, community volunteer and political activist. He is a teacher with the Lord Selkirk School Division, and a deeply involved member of his community, both as a volunteer coach, and in the performing arts.

In University, Mitch was very active in student union politics. He served as President of the Brandon University Student Union from 2005 to 2006 and was the Valedictorian for his graduating class. In recognition of his community activism, he was later recognized as the Brandon University Distinguished Young Alumni of 2015. In 2021, Mitch completed a master’s degree in Community Development at North Dakota State University, his research focuses on rural Manitoba public schools as community hubs for development and change.

Mitch's political and social activism led him to work for the NDP Provincial government in several roles, focusing on his passion for rural Manitoba, including work in Agriculture, Conservation, and Rural Development. As a teacher Mitch has taught in a variety of settings, from middle years classrooms, to developing a high school alternative education program. He currently works in the Lord Selkirk School Division, where he has held a variety of positions most notably teaching Grades 8 and 9 English and Science at Lockport School. 

Mitch knows how to organize and grow our community. He founded the Interlake Thunder Football Club in 2011 and has served as President for almost 10 years. The club has grown from a single team to one of the largest tackle football programs in rural Manitoba. As President Mitch has helped the club grow, overcome challenges and provide access to youth of all ages. In addition to football, Mitch has been an active coach in baseball and hockey.

Mitch’s interests also include theatre and music. In 2016, along with his wife Kendra, they formed the Interlake Traveling Musical Theatre Company, a group of community members who partner to fundraise with non-profit organizations across the Interlake. Their tours have helped raise thousands of dollars for Interlake charities and community organizations. He has also performed with Kendra at numerous community events, fundraisers and concerts.

Since moving to the Interlake, Mitch has been active in many organizations as a volunteer and Board member. Some of these organizations include the Selkirk Community Renewal Corporation, the Selkirk Community Choir and the Interlake Regional Health Authority. He was also involved in the Lakeshore Teachers’ Association executive when teaching in Lakeshore School Division, and more recently with the Lord Selkirk Teachers Association Council.

Mitch and Kendra live in Selkirk where they remain active in many efforts that strengthen their community.