Dawson City Council Secures New Oath Option Amid Indigenous Concerns

In a landmark change, Dawson City's council will now have the option to take an oath of allegiance to the Canadian constitution instead of the British Crown after protests regarding historical injustices against indigenous peoples prompted this legislative shift.

In a significant move reflecting evolving societal values, Dawson City, Yukon has become the first Canadian municipality to allow its elected officials an alternative to swearing allegiance to the Crown. This decision comes amidst rising discourse around Canada's historical treatment of indigenous communities, particularly following the refusal of the newly-elected council members to take the King's oath in solidarity with an indigenous representative.

On Friday, Yukon’s Minister of Community Services, Richard Mostyn, announced that elected municipal officials now have the option to pledge allegiance to the Canadian constitution instead of solely to the British Monarch, King Charles III. This shift was necessitated when the newly-elected council, particularly Councillor Darwyn Lynn, faced moral dilemmas surrounding their oath. Lynn, a member of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, voiced his struggle, stating that even repeated readings of the King's oath did not ease his concerns due to the Crown’s historical role in colonization and the consequences for indigenous peoples.

The previous requirement dictated that officials swear fidelity to the Crown within 40 days of their election, which, for Dawson City’s council, risked nullifying their victories. With a deadline of December 9 looming, the urgency for a solution sparked a valuable conversation about the implications of the oath and the new alternative option introduced under Yukon law.

In addressing the situation, Lynn emphasized the importance of dialogue, noting that discussions surrounding the oath had reignited interest in Canada’s colonial history in the small community of around 2,400 residents. As he remarked after the announcement, “Everybody has the right to have their opinion and option, and that is the great part of our country.”

Dawson City is not alone in reevaluating the necessity of the King's oath, as the province of Quebec previously amended its own requirements, moving away from compulsory allegiance to the monarchy. Nonetheless, the oath remains a stipulation for federal parliamentarians and numerous provincial legislators, reflecting an ongoing tension between tradition and contemporary values in Canada. The Dawson City council members are expected to take their chosen oaths in the upcoming days, marking a pivotal moment in local governance reflective of broader societal discussions.