Rock the Talk
SEASON 4 / EPISODE 6
March 13, 2020
COVID-19: Sudden Impact
The historic threat of COVID-19 reaches the North as Grand Chief Peter Johnston and guests Michelle Dawson-Beattie and Karee Vallevand must share heartbreaking news about the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association's 2020 tournament. Also on the show, special guests include veteran player-coach Randy Merkel, and a discussion with Minister Jeanie Dendys about equality, tourism and the impact of these difficult decisions on the Yukon economy.
Part I: Yukon Native Hockey Tournament Cancelled
This episode kicks off with an emotional announcement from Yukon First Nations Hockey Association President Michelle Dawson-Beattie as she delivers some bad news: The 2020 Yukon Native Hockey Tournament has been officially cancelled. Similar to the Arctic Winter Games, Dawson-Beattie, along with Tournament Coordinator Karee Vallevand, advises that this was a difficult decision, but precautionary measures were necessary to help keep communities, players, families and everyone safe. Grand Chief Peter Johnston encourages everyone to look forward to next year's event, and that communities are supportive of the board's decision.
Part II: Randy Merkel: Evolution of a Tournament
Grand Chief is joined by veteran player-coach Randy "The Legend" Merkel to talk about the early days of the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament and the evolution of one of Yukon's most popular annual sporting events.
Part III: Jeanie Dendys: Difficult Decisions
Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Minister Jeanie Dendys for a discussion about a wide range of topics, including equality, COVID-19 and the difficult decisions behind the cancellation of the Arctic Winter Games and Yukon Native Hockey Tournament. Minister Dendys is Minister of Tourism and Culture, Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate, and Minister responsible for the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board.
S4E6 Quick Links
Official site of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association and Native Hockey Tournament
The Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse was cancelled due to COVID-19. Here's the official site.
For the latest updates on the global pandemic, visit the World Health Organization website.
There's lots going on at CYFN! Check out what's new in the news section of our website www.cyfn.ca.
The Government of Yukon is looking to pass a bill that would see the ban of conversion therapy.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Yukon, visit www.yukon.ca