Season 5 Episode 9

Rock the Talk

SEASON 5 / EPISODE 9

EPISODE RECAP:

February 12, 2021

48 STRONG: Celebrating 'Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow'

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is honoured to welcome an all-star lineup of guests for the 48th Anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, including former Grand Chiefs Judy Gingell and Ed Schultz, iconic negotiator Dave Joe, former Yukon Premier Tony Penikett, and the former President of the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians, Bill Webber. Also on the show, Grand Chief welcomes the newly-elected Chief of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nations Nicole Tom – the first woman to be elected Chief in LSCFN history – along with Wolf Clan Councillor Tanya Silverfox. It's an anniversary set against the classic rock of 1973 and cranked up with nearly five decades of politics, powerful messages and larger-than-life personalities – the perfect blast from the past to fuel our journey ahead.

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part I: Dave Joe: The Pursuit of Fairness

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elder Dave Joe back to the show to talk about the inspirational words of Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow and his historic role to support the negotiation and settlement of historic Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements we celebrate today. Joe, an iconic Champagne and Aishihik First Nation citizen, explains that the pursuit of a fair solution brought new challenges – both in Ottawa and at home – but leaders on all sides found a way and ultimately embraced a powerful vision for the future of Yukon's First Nations.

0:00

Photo Credit: CYFN / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part II: Tony Penikett: A Premier's Perspective

Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with former Yukon Premier Tony Penikett for a closer look at the Yukon NDP's historic rise to power in the 1980s, and the pivotal role his government played to support the Umbrella Final Agreement that was reached in 1988 and signed in 1993. Penikett, who served as Premier from 1988 to 1992, was recently appointed to the Order of Canada, recognition for his contributions as a teacher and public servant and for his tireless work as an advocate for human rights and First Nations' rights in Yukon and across the country.

0:00

Photo Credit: Whitehorse Star / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part III: Bill Webber: The Power of a United Voice

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Kwanlin Dün First Nation elder Bill Webber to the studio to talk about his journey as President of the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians (YANSI) in the late 1970s. With the support of Elijah Smith and a statement by the elders that "We want our grandchildren back," Webber played a key role to unite YANSI with the Yukon Native Brotherhood in 1980 and form the Council for Yukon Indians. This powerful alliance would go on to play an instrumental role in the self-government arena in the 80s and early 90s, and would later be renamed as the Council of Yukon First Nations in 1995.

0:00

Photo Credit: Yukon University / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part IV: Judy Gingell: Unlocking Our Potential

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elder Judy Gingell back for another deep dive into life and politics in the 1970s and 1980s, a transformational period in Yukon's history. Gingell is a former Grand Chief, Commissioner and a respected Kwanlin Dün First Nation leader, and was a proud member of the delegation to Ottawa in 1973. As a trailblazer and an instrumental contributor to negotiations and the organizations that delivered for Yukon First Nations, her advocacy role is still front and centre today, particularly when it comes to education and skills development for the new generation.

0:00

Photo Credit: Yukon University / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part V: Chief Nicole Tom: Moving Forward, Our Way

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nations Chief Nicole Tom and Wolf Clan Councillor Tanya Silverfox to learn about the priorities, challenges and opportunities ahead for the community. As the first-ever female Chief in LSCFN history, Chief Tom is honoured to represent her community and to moving forward on legislation, planning initiatives and projects that reflect Northern Tutchone language and culture. "We are very much a Council that is walking in two worlds right now," she says, acknowledging the important work ahead to engage with elders and youth while also strengthening partnerships and relationships.

0:00

Photo Credit: Yukon University / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Part VI: Ed Schultz: Navigating the Politics of Progress

Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by former Grand Chief Ed Schultz to talk about the 48th Anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow and his continuing effort to help advance the agenda of implementation in a changing world. Today Schultz is dedicated to the modernization of mining policies, partnerships and relationships – inspired by the hard work and voices of those who came before him – towards an even brighter future for Yukon First Nations.

0:00