Rock the Talk
SEASON 4 / EPISODE 8
April 17, 2020
COVID-19: Positive Reinforcements
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Premier Sandy Silver and Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis for an update on the economic and public health realities Yukon communities are facing due to COVID-19. Also we hear from Matheiya Alatini the new COVID-19 Coordinator for Yukon First Nations who is busy keeping all levels of government in the loop and on the same webpage. Grand Chief then catches up with Sharon Shorty (Gramma Suzie) and Don Burnstick, cool comedians spreading positive energy with a spoonful of laughter, arguably the best kind of medicine we can have right now.
Part I: Dan Curtis: New Realities For Municipalities
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis who talks about some of the challenges the capital has been facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayor reflects on the devastating loss of the Arctic Winter Games followed by the Native Hockey Tournament, but says the right decisions were made, and that the threat is by no means over. "It's not time to take the pedal off the medal," says Curtis. and across the territory to help everyone stay connected, stay informed and stay safe. The Mayor says major negative impacts are not expected in Whitehorse and that Council is still working on solutions that will offer temporary relief to taxpayers, while still trying to cover operation and maintenance costs. In Whitehorse, taxes generate $42M in revenue for the City, but the municipal government has $84M in O&M expenditures, so the Mayor knows there's still lots of work ahead in order to keep service disruptions to a minimum.
Photo Credit: CBC / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part II: Gramma Suzie is Hilariously Positive
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes comedian Sharon Shorty for a look at how comedians are overcoming all the negative news in the media, and how we can keep each other smiling during a pandemic. Shorty's creativity shines through as Gramma Suzie joins the call to show us all how easy it can be to spread laughter and joy during a time of crisis. It's non-stop smiles and virtual knee slapping on this clip, an injection of COVID-19 comedy that'll keep you feeling positive on the inside.
Photo Credit: Sharon Shorty / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part III: Premier Sandy Silver: COVID-19 Update
Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by Yukon Premier Sandy Silver for an update on how Yukon communities are coping during the COVID-19 crisis. With only a handful of confirmed cases so far, it's a sign that Yukoners are following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and are doing what's necessary to help flatten the curve. "People are stepping up and doing their best," says an inspired Silver. "I can't thank Yukoners enough for self-isolating and social distancing. We have only one active case in the Yukon right now, with international, national and local efforts to reduce the spread," adding that this effort will be crucial to support the way forward and allow for the conversation to shift back towards restarting the Yukon economy. The Premier acknowledges the summer ahead will be difficult, and the economic impact is going to be far reaching, but also sees there could be some long-term positives that come out of this difficult time.
Photo Credit: Yukon News / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part IV: Math'eiya Alatini: YFN COVID-19 Coordinator
Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with new YFN COVID-19 Coordinator Math'eiya Alatini to talk about her new role to help communities stay informed and safe during the current public health emergency. Math'eiya has been appointed by Yukon First Nations leaders to help coordinate efforts between all levels of government, and to help support the flow of information in and out of communities. Math'eiya says one of her first priorities was to create a one-stop shop for COVID-19 information on the Council of Yukon First Nations website, updated daily at www.cyfn.ca/covid-19. She is also working to ensure personal protective equipment is shipped and ready for use at the community level as quickly as possible.
Photo Credit: CIM Magainze / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part IV: Don Burnstick Still Delivering Medicine
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes comedian Don Burnstick to the show. Burnstick is serious about comedy, and knows how important laughter will be to help us get through a global pandemic. With comedy clubs closed and performances cancelled, find out what Don is doing to keep busy, stay funny and stay safe.
Photo Credit: Don Burnstick / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
S4E8 Quick Links
Check out the new one-stop shop for COVID-19 information on the CYFN website at www.cyfn.ca
Learn more about the Capital City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic at www.whitehorse.ca
Check out the new one-stop shop for COVID-19 information on the CYFN website at www.cyfn.ca
Comedian Don Burstick is from Alexander First Nation, just outside of Edmonton, Alberta.
An in-depth look at Sharon Shorty, the character behind the character, on www.storiesnorth.com
Wanna refresh your knowledge of the Umbrella Final Agreement? Check it out on cyfn.ca