Peter Johnson, Tamay, Dän Ju Däjel (1937 - 2024)
Peter Johnson was born at K’amà Dzêa Ptarmigan Heart to parents Copper Lily and Jimmy Johnson. He and his eleven brothers and sisters hunted, trapped and fishing around Kluane Lake and visited Burwash Landing. He attended the Catholic Mission School at Burwash and then went to the Lower Post Residential School where he completed Grade 8. When he returned home there were construction and bridge projects at Donjek River and Wolverine Creek and helped build the pump station at Alaska Highway 1124. He worked as a maintenance man for Betty and Leland Allinger at Burwash Landing for fifteen years.1)
Peter’s knowledge of the land led him to working with big game outfitters and as a guide and wrangler. He worked for three years, starting in 1965, with Phil Temple and in 1971 he started with Len Berard at Bear Creek and Kloo Lake. In 1987, he started working for John Ostashek and Dick Dickson and continued with them for many years.2)
After he retired, Peter spent time with Joe Joe Johnson on his trapline and at Cultus Bay. Peter was renowned for tall tales and practical jokes and taught many young people his outdoor skills. 3)