Daryl Frank Johnnie (1969 – 2006)
Daryl Johnnie was born in the Mayo hospital when Pelly Crossing residents were evacuated because of a wildfire threatening their community. His parents were Mary Johnnie and Franklin Roberts. Daryl was raised on the land in a traditional way of life. And the family trapline at Mile 20 was his favourite place to be. Daryl became one of the best river pilots in the area as he learned the skill from his father when he was a young boy. He attended school to Grade 11 at Pelly Crossing and then went to Mayo for Grade 12. In 2004, he attended Yukon College on a course to become a journeyman carpenter.1)
Daryl’s extensive knowledge of the land was a asset when he became a member of the Selkirk Renewable Resource Council and he was one of the first members of the Pelly Crossing Ranger Patrol when he joined in 1992. His Patrol was recognized as one of the best in the northern patrol group areas.2)
Daryl worked on many projects for the Selkirk First Nation (SFN) including the community houses, the curling rink, the Link building and the SFN Administration Building. He worked eight seasons at Fort Selkirk on building restoration projects. He also worked on the Great River Journey facilities at the Pelly River Ranch.3)
Many people in Pelly had enough traditional food to last them through the winter due to Daryl’s generosity. He knew and followed the four guiding principals of respect, care, share and teach. He led by example.4)