Rock the Talk
RECENT EPISODES
November 19, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston has an unforgettable interview with Gary Bailie, the inspirational voice of the Blue Feather Music Festival and talks housing, tourism and Yukon’s labour crunch with Minister of Economic Development, Ranj Pillai. Plus, Sierra Van Der Meer from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) drops by to talk about the latest Call for Expressions of Interest, Katie Johnson of Yukon First Nations Arts and Culture talks holiday shopping opportunities for art enthusiasts and Grand Chief welcomes Elizabeth Bosely and Darlene Scurvey to the studio for a closer look at the Yukon First Nations Arts Certificate Program offered at Yukon U. Add burbot fishing enthusiast Erin Holm to the mix and ya, that’s a damn good episode.
November 5, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes a full spectrum of special guests, with Premier Sandy Silver making his return to the show to talk COVID, the economic recovery and the rapidly evolving politics of a pandemic. Grand Chief also brings purple into focus, connecting with CYFN’s Chantel Genier to talk about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Plus, Michelle Friesen stops by after becoming the first Indigenous citizen to win a seat on Whitehorse City Council since 1994. Grand Chief also talks successes and resources with Greg Thompson from Kwanlin Dun First Nation’s Lands team, explores new trends and frontiers in the world of cannabis with Jeremy Jones from Triple J’s Canna Space, and welcomes Rhiannon Klein to the show to introduce Yukon University’s new speaker series on Indigenous Governance.
October 22, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes a full lineup of influencers and difference makers, including an interview with newly-elected Chief of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Amanda Leas, CYFN’s Ed Shultz introduces the first “Yukon Plastics Gathering’, Yukon Chamber of Mines President Ed Peart has the latest on this year’s Yukon Geoscience Forum and Trade Show, and Melanie Bennett has a Yukon First Nations Education Directorate update. Plus, Albert Drapeau, Executive Director of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce recaps last week’s epic red carpet “Re-Awakening Gala” and former Premier Piers McDonald talks about Yukon’s bid to host the 2027 Canada Winter Games.
October 8, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Jeanie McLean, Minister of Education, back to the show to talk about her progress so far and the homework ahead, and Dr. Brendan Hanley talks about his new role as Yukon’s Member of Parliament. Plus, with just a few days to go before Yukon’s municipal elections, Grand Chief interviews all three candidates running for Mayor of Whitehorse and Council of Yukon First Nations Executive Director Shadelle Chambers checks in with the latest on all things CYFN.
June 18, 2021
Yukon’s first major outbreak of COVID-19 is threatening numerous communities and the race is on to vaccinate as many people as possible. Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley, to talk about how Yukoners can help stop the spread and stay safe this summer. Also on this episode, Katie Johnson, Producer of the Adäka Cultural Festival, announces the festival’s postponement, and Grand Chief welcomes Tlingit artist Lorraine Wolfe to the show for a closer look at her creative journey.
May 21, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston delivers another rock solid lineup of politics and culture, featuring an in-depth one-on-one with outgoing Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde; a post-election connection with Yukon NDP Leader Kate White; a “hot pink moose” introspective with Little Salmon Carmacks artist and Yukon U instructor Lianne Charlie; a wonderful exploration of Tlingit culture with University of Calgary student Chantai Minet; and an update on the 2021 Adaka Cultural Festival, with event Producer Katie Johnson.
May 7, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston talks post-election politics and community priorities with a full lineup of special guests including Premier Sandy Silver, Education Minister Jeanie McLean, the new Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jeremy Harper, and the President of the Association of Yukon Communities, Gord Curran. Plus, Curtis Shaw, President of Northwestel stops by for a look at new investments coming down the wire and Grand Chief Johnston welcomes former Buffalo Sabre Cody McCormick to the show to talk life, values, women's hockey and the opportunity to visit Yukon as part of the Indigenous NHL Alumni Tour.
April 23, 2021
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.
April 9, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston hosts the second and final 2021 Yukon Election Special with a powerhouse guest list that includes all three party leaders (Liberal Leader Sandy Silver, Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon and NDP Leader Kate White), and candidates from key ridings across the territory, including Liberal candidate Amanda Brown (Watson Lake), Yukon Party candidate Geraldine Van Bibber (Porter Creek North), and Patty Wallingham, the NDP candidate for the riding of Mayo-Tatchun. Plus, Yukon First Nations election coordinator Mathieya Alatini joins Grand Chief for an election update and the latest instalment of the COVID Report. This historic election could come down to the wire, and with so much at stake on Monday, Yukoners need to ‘Rock the Vote’ like never before!
March 26, 2021
Gear up for a politically-charged episode of Rock the Talk as Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes a full lineup of election candidates and reminds us to Rock the Vote on April 12 – just two weeks away! Joining the Grand Chief is Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon, along with the three candidates from Mountainview – NDP’s Michelle Friesen, Yukon Party’s Ray Sydney and the incumbent Liberal candidate Jeanie McLean. Plus, YFN Elections Coordinator Mathieya Alatini stops in for a Rock the Vote update and Grand Chief talks to Yukon entrepreneur Andrew Cook to hear his views and predictions for the final stretch of the 2021 campaign.
March 12, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston talks about the issues that matter on the brink of election call with special guests Premier Sandy Silver and the Yukon NDP Leader Kate White. Plus, Robin Bradasch and Jenilee Cook introduce the latest Indigenization and self-determination initiatives under way at Yukon University, we connect with Michelle Dawson-Beattie for an update on plans for the epic return of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association annual tournament, researcher Shannon Powell discusses climate change and COVID-19 impacts on Yukon trappers, and Katie Johnson from the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association shares some exciting news about this year’s Adäka Cultural Festival.
It's another classic Yukon Rendezvous weekend – featuring the second half of our back-to-back 48th Anniversary Special celebrating Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow! Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elders Adeline Webber and Shirley Adamson for some amazing stories about the people, places and organizations that were instrumental in the fight for Aboriginal women's rights in Yukon. Plus, legal juggernaut Daryn Leas shares his journey inspired by the original generation of First Nations lawyers Dave Joe and Mike Smith and Grand Chief also welcomes Taku River Tlingit First Nation Spokesperson John Ward and Deputy Premier Ranj Pillai for a special announcement. Also, White River First Nation filmmaker Douglas Joe and collaborator Brendan Preston talk about an important new short film project, and CYFN Executive Director Shadelle Chambers shares some of the latest news and views on our programs and partnerships.
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.
January 29, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Maggie Matear, interim President of Yukon University for an update on the inaugural year of Yukon U. Also, Honouring Our Future curator Lisa Dewhurst shares the inspiration behind her latest exhibit, Teslin Tlingit innovator Blair Hogan talks about the upside of virtual gatherings, and Albert Drapeau, Executive Director the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce is in the studio to talk about the Arctic Inspiration Prize and the upcoming Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference. Grand Chief also welcomes Council of Yukon First Nations Executive Director Shadelle Chambers for an update on all things CYFN.
January 15, 2021
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston kicks off a New Year of New Normal with a new vaccine, plenty of optimism and a powerhouse lineup of special guests. Joining Grand Chief is the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley, Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost, Grand Chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council Ken Smith, Yukon Mineral Development Strategy panelist Mathieya Alatini, iconic Canadian Mining Hall of Famer Jerry Asp, and two very special guest elders – Margaret Mackay and Mark Wedge – share their journey in insight into the "How We Walk with the Land and Water" initiative.
December 18, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston wraps up 2020 with a full lineup of politics and prizes, and with COVID numbers now taking a turn for the better in (approaching zero cases in the territory), some high profile Yukoners share their high hopes and best wishes for a promising New Year. Special guests include Commissioner of the Yukon Angélique Bernard, AFN Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, Deputy Premier Ranj Pillai, Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis, Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon and CYFN Executive Director Shadelle Chambers. This is a special holiday episode that looks back, looks ahead and never stops appreciating Yukon's community leaders, elders, youth, frontline workers, volunteers and all those who made a difference this year. So long, 2020 – bring it on, 2021!
December 4, 2020
With a vaccine on the horizon, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes guests from across the territory and across North America to talk about today's COVID reality and the recovery period ahead. Interviews with Winnipeg record shop owner Ray Giguere and former NHLer Aaron Asham (originally from Manitoba, now living in New York) remind us that Yukon is not out of the woods, and gives us a sense of how the pandemic has been impacting families and businesses south of 60. North of the border, Grand Chief talks to Melanie Bennett from the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate on the progress being made to support Indigenous ways of knowing in Yukon schools, and the past present and future prospects on the mining scene are front and centre with Mike Burke of the Yukon Chamber of Mines. Jay Massie, ATCO's Director of Indigenous Relations joins the show to talk energy sector partnerships and holiday bills, and Grand Chief interviews Adam Lightfoot, one of three RCMP officers on the frontlines of an historic new policing agreement between Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the RCMP.
November 20, 2020
With COVID on the rise and AC/DC climbing the charts, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes a powerhouse lineup of guests, including Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health Brendan Hanley on the timetable for a vaccine, NHL Alumni and Stanley Cup champion Ric Nattress talks youth empowerment, and Selkirk First Nation citizen Reggie McGinty stops by to talk martial arts and his work to advance Yukon's Gladue Pilot Project. Plus, Yukon NDP Leader Kate (the Great) White rocks the studio to talk about a possible election, Katie Johnson of the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association showcases Yukon Arts just in time for the holidays, and Jocelyn Joe-Strack and Dakota Norris are powering up the Yukon First Nations Climate Action Fellowship, a huge opportunity for youth to join the fight of a lifetime.
November 6, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Champagne and Aishihik Chief Steve Smith for a closer look at key priorities, challenges and a tribute to Yukon Veterans. Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill talks about these historic first days with a new Lands Act, and Yukon’s Top Cop joins us for an honest discussion about policing and how RCMP is managing after a difficult summer of politics, racial tension and a global pandemic. Plus, former NHLer John Chabot about the First Assist Initiative, and hears from coach Dan Johnson on the wave of excitement surrounding girls hockey in Yukon.
October 23, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde for a discussion about systemic racism in Canada. Are we witnessing a genuine awakening in Ottawa? Could this surge of media attention and public outrage spark real change from coast to coast to coast? Grand Chief then welcomes Yukon Premier Sandy Silver to the studio for some territorial perspective on systemic racism, and the importance of keeping difficult conversations going. The Premier also talks about the COVID reality facing Yukon businesses and shares some safe spooking tips, Elaine Chambers joins us for the 35th Anniversary of Dana Naye Ventures, Yukon's Child and Youth Advocate Annette King stops by to talk about current priorities, challenges and opportunities, and Scott McDonald says Kilrich Building Centres has never seen a perfect storm quite like 2020, a sign that unprecedented COVID pricing issues may still be haunting us long after the Halloween weekend.
October 9, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by Yukon Premier Sandy Silver for an update on the pandemic – our territory's progress this summer and the challenges ahead for education and the economy as Canada braces for another wave of COVID-19. Plus, the Grand Chief welcomes Graham MacDonald, a student promoting reconciliation at Pearson College in Victoria, along with the Executive Director of the Children of the Taku, K’èdukà Jack, and Melaina Sheldon, a Teslin artist recruiting storytellers for her new documentary Northlore. And last but not least, Jordi Jones, Managing Owner of Triple J's Collective and Canna Space, shares insight into how Yukon's cannabis sector is navigating the global pandemic.
June 26, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with communities and organizations from across the territory to talk about Phase 2 of the Re-Opening Plan as Yukon prepares to open its border with British Columbia. Special guests include Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Deputy Chief Simon Nagano, President of the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association Marilyn Jensen, Leader of the Yukon NDP Kate White, Northern Cultural Expressions Society Educator Colin Teramura, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill, and Max Zimmerman from the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office.
June 12, 2020
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.
May 29, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes a wild lineup of Yukoners to talk about the territory's much-anticipated COVID-19 Re-Opening Plan, along with a discussion about forest fire readiness, bear awareness and more. Guests include inspirational entrepreneur Douma Alwarid, Chad Thomas of Yukon First Nations Wildfire, Loralee Johnstone of Silvertip Mine, Conservation Officer Dave Bakica, Melanie Bennett, Executive Director of the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate and Dawson City Mayor Wayne Potoroka.
May 15, 2020
As the Government of Yukon prepares to unveil its reopening plan, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with a range of special guests to talk about the New Normal and the road ahead for Yukon students, families and businesses. Guests include Yukon Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, outgoing Interim Leader of Yukon Party Stacey Hassard, Education Minister Tracey Anne McPhee and the outgoing President of Yukon College, Dr. Karen Barnes.
May 1, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by a full lineup of special guests to talk about the new normal in the North. Guests include Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, NWTel President Curtis Shaw, Teslin Mayor Gord Curran, RCMP Commanding Officer Scott Sheppard, Natural Resources and Environment Senior Analyst for the Council of Yukon First Nations Ed Schultz, and Matheiya Alatini keeps us up to date with her latest COVID Report.
April 17, 2020
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.
March 27, 2020
Grand Chief Peter Johnston hosts a special COVID-19: March Madness edition of Rock the Talk, and is honoured to welcome leaders from across the territory who have been working around the clock to keep their communities safe. Grand Chief checks in with Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill, Selkirk First Nation Chief Sharon Nelson, Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm of the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation, Liard First Nation Chief George Morgan, and welcomes a special COVID-19 update from Premier Sandy Silver.
March 13, 2020
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.
February 14, 2020
On the 47th Anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is honoured to welcome back former Grand Chief Ed Shultz along with Judy Gingell, former Chair of the Council of Yukon Indians, as well as Dave Joe, the first Yukon First Nations lawyer in our history. Together again, our special guests share their unforgettable stories about the historic events that led to Self Government – stories of courage, struggle, sacrifice and celebration in their journey to build a brighter future for Yukon First Nations.
January 24, 2020
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by Samson Hartland, Executive Director of the Yukon Chamber of Mines to talk about the future of resource development in the Yukon, NDP Leader Kate White stops by for a chat about 2020, lawyer and Indigenous rights advocate Victoria Fred shares her insights into the push for restorative justice, and Yukon's Deputy Premier Ranj Pillai drops by to talk economic development, energy, agriculture and much, much more.
December 13, 2019
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston is joined by Tlingit Artist and Herbalist Blake Shaá'koon Lepine to talk about health, art, culture and life. Also stopping by the studio is Bobbi Rose Koe, a Gwitch’in entrepreneur and inspirational protector of the Peel Watershed. And don't forget the Secret Santa, also known as the host of CBC Yukon, Dave White.
November 29, 2019
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston hosts a special Black Friday episode of Rock the Talk and goes one on one with Premier Sandy Silver, Elder and former Chair of the Council for Yukon Indians Judy Gingell, Historian and Storyteller Carol Geddes and Deputy Minister Ranj Pillai. It's a full show, featuring a shopping cart full of mining, culture, nutrition, history, politics and an all-you-can-eat RTT buffet.
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