In a significant political stand, the newly elected council members of Dawson City, a small community in the Yukon Territory, Canada, have found themselves embroiled in a controversy after refusing to pledge allegiance to King Charles III. The council's decision not to partake in the mandatory swearing-in ceremony has resulted in a standstill, paralyzing local governance for the time being.
The mayor-elect, Stephen Johnson, and his fellow councilors were expected to be sworn in earlier this month but opted out of the oath as a gesture of support for Darwyn Lynn, an indigenous council member from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. Lynn expressed concerns regarding the historical relationship between the Crown and Canada's indigenous populations, prompting the collective refusal of the oath by new council members.
According to Yukon law, newly elected officials must take the Oath of Allegiance within 40 days of their election to avoid nullifying their victory. As the deadline of December 9 approaches, the council remains unable to make any official decisions or address municipal needs. "We can’t do anything legally required of us under the Municipal Act," Johnson stated, highlighting the predicament the council faces.
The town's outgoing mayor, Bill Kendrick, expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing the necessity for the new council to begin their work. Responses to the standoff have varied among residents; some view the oath as outdated, while others perceive it as an essential element of governance in Canada.
In a bid for a solution, the Dawson City council has reached out to Yukon provincial officials with a request to allow an alternative oath. A representative from Yukon’s Department of Community Services confirmed that they have received this appeal but refrained from providing any further comments.
Dawson City, with a population of about 2,400, is renowned for its historical significance during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. It occupies a site of deep indigenous heritage; the region was once home to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people, who were displaced by the influx of settlers during the gold rush.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing discussions surrounding Canada's colonial history and its impacts on indigenous communities. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017 acknowledged these issues, describing a legacy of colonialism as one of "humiliation, neglect, and abuse." Previously, Quebec legislators have also contested the necessity of an oath to the monarchy, labeling it as an outdated requirement. Meanwhile, discontent with the oath remains a growing sentiment across parts of Canada, as many question its relevance in contemporary governance.