Rock the Talk
SEASON 6 / EPISODE 9
February 11, 2022
Together Today – Celly #49
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston assembles another powerhouse lineup for this epic episode of Rock the Talk celebrating the 49th Anniversary of "Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow." In honour of the historic 1973 delegation and all of the leaders and families who sacrificed so much to chart a new direction for Yukon First Nations, Grand Chief welcomes elders Dave Joe and Judy Gingell and the son of Elijah Smith – Chief Steve Smith of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations – back to the show for more behind-the-scenes look at the journey towards Self-Government. Also in this episode, Former Federal Negotiator Tim Koepke reflects on Ottawa's mindset in the push for a final agreement, former Yukon Premier Tony Penikett explores how the voices of community leaders in his Caucus made an important difference and Janice Hamilton, former reporter/editor for the Yukon Indian News, talks about the newspaper's launch in 1973 and her role to cover issues that mattered to communities during a pivotal moment in our history.
Part I: Dave Joe: It Was A National Opportunity
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elder Dave Joe back to the show to talk about his historic journey as the one of the principle architects of the Umbrella Final Agreement. A citizen of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Joe talks about the determination of Chief Elijah Smith's team and shares a first-hand account of the process, the promise and the progress that has been made since Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow was presented to the Prime Minister on February 14, 1973.
Photo Credit: Yukon Liberal Party / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part II: Judy Gingell: Reflecting on Success, Sacrifice
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elder Judy Gingell back to Rock the Talk for another extraordinary look at how the historic land claims negotiations of the 1970s and 1980s changed life in the Yukon forever. Today Gingell continues her work to support implementation of the agreements and reflects on the many successes of Yukon First Nations as the 50th Anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow approaches. A respected leader, innovator and negotiator, Gingell reflects on the historic path we are on and acknowledges the enormous challenges and sacrifices so many individuals and families had to make to deliver the brighter future we enjoy today.
Photo Credit: CYFN / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part III: Tim Koepke: Behind The Scenes
Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with Tim Koepke, former chief federal negotiator, for an in-depth look at Ottawa's perspective and pressures before signing the Umbrella Final Agreement in 1988. Koepke and his colleagues played an instrumental role at a remarkable time, and he speaks candidly about the journey, the mindset and what an agreement with Yukon First Nations would mean for the federal side.
Photo Credit: Yukon Liberal Party / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part IV: Premier Penikett: Our Defining Moment
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes former Yukon Premier Tony Penikett back to the show to talk about the historic final push towards an Umbrella Final Agreement. Penikett explores how party politics and the voices of Yukon's community leaders – including powerful perspectives from within his own Caucus – made this historic achievement possible.
Photo Credit: Radio Canada International / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part V: Chief Smith: It's All For the People
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Chief Steve Smith of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations back to the show for new insight into Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow and those who made it possible. Chief Smith reflects on our journey so far, and shares impactful memories about the leadership and strength of those who stood with his iconic father, Chief Elijah Smith, and were determined to take hold of the future while retaking our past and our place in history.
Photo Credit: CBC / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part VI: Making Headlines: The Yukon Indian News
Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with the first reporter and editor of the Yukon Indian News, Janice Hamilton, who helped launch the monthly paper in 1973 – at a pivotal time in Yukon's history. Hamilton recalls the stories, the people and the connections she made while covering the issues that mattered to Yukon First Nations in the 1970s.
Photo Credit: Sounder / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
S6E9 Playlist
Rock the Talk
S6/E9 Playlist
February 11, 2022
S6E9 Quick Links
Learn more about Champagne and Aishihik First Nations online at www.cafn.ca.
Judy Gingell made history May 29, 1993 with the signing of the Umbrella Final Agreement.
Tony Penikett's political story begins as campaign manager for the first indigenous northern MP in 1972.
Discover (or rediscover) the powerful pages of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow.
Follow the historic path to Self-Government and implementation at www.mappingtheway.ca
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Yukon, visit www.yukon.ca