Town Council in Dawson City, Canada, Secures New Oath Option Amid Indigenous Concerns

In a significant ruling, Dawson City, Yukon, can now pledge allegiance to the Canadian constitution instead of the Crown, amidst growing discourse on indigenous rights and history.

 

Dawson City, a small town in Yukon, Canada, has made waves after its newly elected town council refused to take the traditional King's oath, citing the Crown's controversial legacy concerning Indigenous peoples in Canada. In response to this standstill, the territorial government announced a legal change allowing municipal officials an alternative oath, pledging allegiance to the Constitution instead of the British monarchy.

The council's decision not to swear allegiance to King Charles III and his successors was supported by Councillor Darwyn Lynn, who serves as a representative for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. He expressed his discomfort with the oath, stating that he struggled with the task due to the significant historical oppression of Indigenous populations at the hands of the Crown. “It didn’t get any easier to do,” said Lynn, reflecting on the decision to seek an alternative.

In light of these developments, Yukon’s minister of community services, Richard Mostyn, highlighted the law's adjustment as a reflection of evolving societal values. “This change allows elected municipal officials to take the Oath of Allegiance in a way that aligns with society’s broader values and cultural identities,” he stated.

Previously, under Yukon law, newly elected officials had a 40-day window to take the oath, with failure to do so resulting in disqualification. This prompted urgent discussions as the deadline of December 9 approached, raising concerns about whether the Dawson City council could assume their roles without the oath.

Councillor Lynn noted that the deliberations around the oath sparked a meaningful dialogue about Canada's past, calling it a “wonderful conversation.” The discussions across Dawson City’s population of 2,400 showcased varying opinions, with some supporting the change and others uncertain about removing the traditional oath.

This adjustment is not a first in Canada; Quebec previously eliminated the requirement for elected officials to swear an oath to the monarchy in 2022, with lawmakers dubbing it "a relic from the past." However, the oath to the Crown remains mandatory for members of Canada's federal parliament and most provincial assemblies.

As Dawson City's council prepares to take their chosen oath, the ongoing narrative regarding the relationship between Indigenous peoples and governmental structures continues to unfold, reflecting the changing tides of Canadian socio-political dynamics.