Dawson City in Canada’s Yukon Territory, led by Mayor Stephen Johnson, is refusing to take the mandatory oath of allegiance to King Charles lll. This bold move has put the council at a standstill, unable to conduct any official business under the Municipal Act. Johnson calls it a “sticky situation,” but it’s not without purpose—it’s an act of solidarity with Darwyn Lynn, a council member and a proud representative of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.
Here’s the tea: Dawson City stands on Tr’ondëk land, where indigenous people were displaced during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896. Johnson and his council’s protest isn’t about disrespecting the monarchy. He even says it’s “done with no disrespect to His Majesty King Charles,” but that they are trying to address colonialism. Similarly, some other Canadian territories like Quebec have already axed the oath, labeling it an outdated formality.
The clock, however, is ticking for Dawson’s council. By December 9, they must take the oath or have the nullification of their wins. This makes things a test of principles versus procedural law, leaving Canada—and perhaps the monarchy—watching intently.
