Sam Johnston and Judy Gingell speak on their memories of going to Ottawa, creating the document and its impact on the Yukon as part of a speaking series.
First Nations are commemorating the 45th anniversary of presenting the document "Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow," which serves as the foundation for land claims and self-government in Yukon. It was on February 14th 1973, that a delegation of Chiefs and others lead by Elijah Smith presented then Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau a plan and vision for the Yukon. Now, some of the leaders present that day are sharing their memories of the historic event, the creation of that document and how it impacted the Yukon. Sam Johnston, Chief of the Teslin Tling'it at the time says Chiefs were tired of the Indian Act and wanted a say in how they would live their lives.
Judy Gingell, who was part of the Ottawa delegation and helped to create Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow says the Chiefs at that time were motivated for change, to provide a better future for the following generations.