Season 5 Episode 14

Rock the Talk

SEASON 5 / EPISODE 14

EPISODE RECAP:

April 23, 2021

Full Spring Ahead

Following Yukon's wild election finish, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston takes a closer look at territorial politics, the federal budget, outbreak readiness, the economic recovery and more with special guests Yukon Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Chief Steve Smith and winner of the election draw – and the newest Member of the Legislative Assembly, representing the riding of Vuntut Gwitchin – Annie Blake. Plus, Yukon Native Language Centre Executive Director Tina Jules unveils the latest wave of learning initiatives and Yukon University's Norman Easton discusses a groundbreaking new publication showcasing the history and culture of the Yukon-Alaska borderlands.

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part I: Larry Bagnell: Historic Budget For First Nations

Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with Yukon's Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell to talk about the magnitude of this week's federal budget and what a commitment of $18 billion to support Indigenous communities could mean for Yukon First Nations. Major investments in infrastructure, health and social, culture and tourism are all on the horizon as Canada works to recover from an unprecedented global pandemic.

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

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part II: New Online Video Library Speaks Volumes

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Tina Jules, Executive Director of the Yukon Native Language Centre, to talk about the progress her team is making to preserve Yukon's traditional languages. Jules introduces YNLC's new digital tools and shares her thoughts on the opportunities, challenges and priorities ahead as COVID-19 continues to change the learning landscape.

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

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part III: Dr. Hanley: Staying Prepared for Outbreaks

Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with Dr. Brendan Hanley, Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health, to talk about the latest developments on the COVID-19 front. As cases and variants surge across Canada, Yukon's top doctor emphasizes the importance of getting the vaccine, following the updated self-isolation guidelines, and staying well informed – factors that support Yukon's readiness for outbreaks in the weeks and months ahead.

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Photo Credit: CBC North and CYFN / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part IV: Election Tie-breaker: And the Winner Is...

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Yukon's newest Member of the Legislative Assembly Annie Blake to the studio following her historic tie-breaking win over the incumbent Liberal Minister Pauline Frost on April 19. Blake describes the moment of victory, and shares her hopes and plans to ensure the voices of Vuntut Gwitchin citizens and all NDP supporters will be heard when Yukon's legislature resumes in May.

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

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part V: Chief Smith: Election Result an Opportunity

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Champagne and Aishihik First Nations' Chief Steve Smith back to the show for a closer look at the territorial election result – an unprecedented 8-8-3 tie. Chief Smith explains how minority governments can actually be more productive than majority governments and sees plenty of possibilities and opportunities ahead for Yukon First Nations as events unfold.

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

RTT APRIL 23, 2021

Part VI: Yukon U: Researcher Goes Beyond Borders

Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by Yukon University Instructor Norman Easton to explore the journey behind An Ethnohistory of the Chisana River Basin – the first-ever publication documenting the history of First Nations that thrived along the Alaska-Yukon borderlands. Easton's research reflects traditional and contemporary culture, native language, land use, and archaeology based on 30 years of connections with communities and families on both sides of the border.

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