Rock the Talk
SEASON 4 / EPISODE 12
June 12, 2020
COVID-19: Brave New World
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with special guests to talk about racial injustice, Black Lives Matter, tourism troubles and the the prospect of transitioning to a Phase 2 “mobility bubble” with British Columbia at the end of the month. Guests include the Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys, Chief Executive Officer of the Yukon Arts Centre Casey Prescott, Award-winning comic artist Cole Pauls, Host of the upcoming Virtual Indigenous People’s Day Marilyn Jensen, First Nations Lawyer Victoria Fred and Yukon Photographer Alistair Maitland.
Part I: Minister Dendys talks “Mobility Bubble”
Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with the Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys for a closer look at the challenges facing the tourism industry as well as the arts and culture scene. With the prospect of moving to Phase 2 at the end of the month, it means Yukoners could be in a new “mobility bubble” with British Columbia, which could bring some relief for tour operators and other businesses in the hospitality sector, if all goes well. Minister Dendys also provides an update on the work currently under way to keep Yukon’s strategy on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls moving forward.
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Photo Credit: CBC North / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part II: Yukon Arts Centre: Tech Stealing the Show
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Casey Prescott from the Yukon Arts Centre to talk about the impact of the new COVID reality on the Centre and how the performing arts community will be navigating the challenges ahead. Right at the onset, Prescott says the Centre introduced an ambitious set of online activities and programs that connected and showcased Yukon artists via Zoom, enabling communities to stay creative by keeping the workshops and the conversation going. This including moving the art outdoors to take advantage of the June sunlight and planning the purchase of cameras to help stream a fall lineup of performances, a technologically savvy approach that’s getting a standing ovation. “I would actually say it’s been, in a weird way, a positive experience, because (COVID-19 shutdown) has really forced us to adapt.”
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Photo Credit: CBC North / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part III: Dakwäkãda Warriors: The Power of Comics
Grand Chief Peter Johnston invites award-winning comic artist Cole Pauls to share his creative journey into the comic book universe. Hailing from Haines Junction, Pauls is a Tahltan citizen and the visionary behind such creations as the Dakwäkãda Warriors and a spectacular comic version of Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow. Pauls explains that one objective of his illustrations has been to capture reconciliation from a First Nation’s point of view, and with a new book on the way, Pauls explains how his life has changed after winning Broken Pencil Magazine’s Best Comic and Best Design of the Year Awards.
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Photo Credit: Cole Pauls / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part IV: Marilyn Jensen: Virtual Celebrations June 21
Grand Chief Peter Johnston checks in with Marilyn Jensen, host of this year’s Virtual Indigenous Peoples Day – a two-hour special social media event held on Sunday, June 21. The online festivities have been organized thanks to an amazing partnership between the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association and the Kwanlin Dun Culture Centre.
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Photo Credit: CBC North / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part V: Victoria Fred: Elevating the Conversation
Grand Chief Peter Johnston reconnects with Yukon First Nation Lawyer Victoria Fred for another in-depth discussion about core values, diversity, racism, restorative justice and the advancement of Indigenous rights in a changing world. This interview reflects on the legacy of old policies, the history of Yukon First Nations, the importance of upholding our values while challenging the status quo. Knowing how difficult this conversation has been, and will continue to be, Victoria reminds us that change won’t happen overnight. She also articulates how important it is to elevate the conversation and do what we can to move society forward using the lessons from our past to guide us, adding “Once we have knowledge, we have a duty to do something about it.”
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Photo Credit: Boughton Law / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
Part VI: Alistair Maitland: Two Kinds of Racism
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes prolific Yukon photographer Alistair Maitland to the studio for an open and honest discussion about his journey, his photography, and his views on the recent global awakening – the Black Lives Matter movement. Around the world, in the midst of a global pandemic, millions are protesting and grieving the loss of George Floyd, while prominent voices, including Indigenous voices, are calling for immediate action that will hold all levels of government accountable for any policies or institutions that directly or indirectly contribute to marginalization or discrimination. Alistair and the Grand Chief speak their truth, and share a sense of hope about what this moment in history is capable of delivering for future generations.
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Photo Credit: Alistair Maitland Photography / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM
S4E12 Quick Links
The performances will return, so keep an eye on the Yukon Arts Centre website.
Check out the official website of Alistair Maitland Photography, located in Whitehorse.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Yukon, visit www.yukon.ca