Dawson City Council Faces Standoff Over Oath to the King

A democratic impasse in Dawson City, Yukon, occurs after the mayor-elect and council decline to take the required oath of allegiance to the King, pushing the council's governance to a halt and raising debates about colonial history and indigenous rights.

A town council in Dawson City, Yukon, is experiencing a significant standstill as its newly elected members have chosen not to take the required Oath of Allegiance to King Charles III. This decision emerged from discussions surrounding the Crown's historical relationship with indigenous communities in Canada.

Mayor-elect Stephen Johnson, alongside the newly elected councilors, was to be officially sworn in earlier this month. However, the ceremony was postponed when they collectively refused to pledge their loyalty to the monarch, expressing solidarity with a fellow council member, Darwyn Lynn, who represents the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.

In an interview, Johnson highlighted the implications of their refusal, noting that they are "stuck" and unable to fulfill any legal responsibilities under the Municipal Act until they take the oath. The council has a deadline of December 9 to comply, or their election victories could be declared void. “It’s a bit of a sticky situation,” Johnson remarked, emphasizing that this move is not intended as a means of disrespect towards the King, but rather an expression of solidarity within their community.

To address this predicament, the council has reached out to Yukon provincial officials proposing the option of an alternative oath. A spokesperson for Yukon’s Department of Community Services has acknowledged this request, but specifics regarding its approval remain undisclosed.

The outgoing mayor, Bill Kendrick, has voiced hope that the situation will resolve soon, allowing the new council to begin addressing town matters. He described the community's response to the standoff as diverse, with opinions ranging from viewing the oath as outdated to others considering it an integral part of Canada's governance system.

Dawson City, with a population of about 2,400, is steeped in history as it played a central role during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. The area is situated on land historically inhabited by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, who faced displacement during the influx of settlers. In recent years, Canada has worked to confront its colonial legacy and the impact on indigenous populations.

This refusal to take the King’s oath is not unprecedented in Canada. Quebec’s legislature passed a law in 2022 abolishing the requirement for elected officials to swear allegiance to the monarchy, a move described as “a relic from the past.” Earlier this year, a bill proposing a similar measure at the national level was defeated, illustrating the ongoing contention surrounding the monarchy in Canadian politics.