The council's refusal to take the King's oath, which is mandatory under Yukon law, has halted their ability to govern and sparked a debate on the Crown's historical impact on Canada's Indigenous peoples.
Town Council in Yukon Faces Oath Dilemma Amid Indigenous Concerns
Town Council in Yukon Faces Oath Dilemma Amid Indigenous Concerns
A newly elected town council in Dawson City, Yukon, remains paralyzed as members refuse to pledge allegiance to King Charles III during their swearing-in.
In Dawson City, Yukon, newly elected Mayor Stephen Johnson and his council are in a predicament as they stand united against taking the required Oath of Allegiance to King Charles III. This situation arose during the swearing-in ceremony, intended for early this month, where the council members, expressing solidarity with Indigenous council member Darwyn Lynn of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, opted to not pledge loyalty to the monarch.
Johnson emphasized that their refusal stems from the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities rather than any disrespect towards the monarchy. “We’re not trying to provoke a national conversation,” he stated. “It’s about showing solidarity in our local context.”
According to Yukon law, newly elected officials must take their oaths within 40 days of their election, or their appointment can be rendered null. The council has until December 9 to resolve this matter. Until then, they remain unable to execute any official functions, which Johnson described as a "sticky situation."
The council has proposed an alternative oath to the Yukon provincial officials, but a response from the Department of Community Services is still pending. Former Mayor Bill Kendrick highlighted the mixed responses from the community, with some viewing the oath as outdated and others as an essential part of Canada's governance.
Dawson City, with a population of about 2,400, holds significant historical value as part of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896. This town, situated at the convergence of the Klondike and Yukon rivers, is located on the ancestral lands of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, who were displaced during the gold rush.
In recent years, Canada has recognized its complex relationship with Indigenous peoples. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly stated that the legacy of colonialism in Canada has involved "humiliation, neglect, and abuse." The discussion around municipal oaths has precedent; in 2022, Quebec legislated to eliminate the oath requirement for elected officials, branding it a “relic from the past.” Similar attempts at the national level have also faced backlash.
The unfolding situation in Dawson City continues to resonate beyond local governance, touching on issues of historical accountability and representation.
Johnson emphasized that their refusal stems from the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities rather than any disrespect towards the monarchy. “We’re not trying to provoke a national conversation,” he stated. “It’s about showing solidarity in our local context.”
According to Yukon law, newly elected officials must take their oaths within 40 days of their election, or their appointment can be rendered null. The council has until December 9 to resolve this matter. Until then, they remain unable to execute any official functions, which Johnson described as a "sticky situation."
The council has proposed an alternative oath to the Yukon provincial officials, but a response from the Department of Community Services is still pending. Former Mayor Bill Kendrick highlighted the mixed responses from the community, with some viewing the oath as outdated and others as an essential part of Canada's governance.
Dawson City, with a population of about 2,400, holds significant historical value as part of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896. This town, situated at the convergence of the Klondike and Yukon rivers, is located on the ancestral lands of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, who were displaced during the gold rush.
In recent years, Canada has recognized its complex relationship with Indigenous peoples. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly stated that the legacy of colonialism in Canada has involved "humiliation, neglect, and abuse." The discussion around municipal oaths has precedent; in 2022, Quebec legislated to eliminate the oath requirement for elected officials, branding it a “relic from the past.” Similar attempts at the national level have also faced backlash.
The unfolding situation in Dawson City continues to resonate beyond local governance, touching on issues of historical accountability and representation.
