TORONTO, Canada, Nov 21, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Local governance in a Canadian city roughly 300 miles (500 kilometers) south of the Arctic Circle is on hold after the mayor refused to swear an oath to King Charles III, an official said Wednesday.

Dawson City, which sits on the Yukon River and built up during the Klondike Gold Rush, held elections last month -- but the new city council has yet to get to work due to the tie-up.

The city's chief administrative officer, David Henderson, told AFP that incoming elected officials have historically sworn an oath of office and "an affirmation of allegiance to the Crown."

He said the new mayor, Stephen Johnson, and four local councilors have refused to swear the latter oath due "to the history of relations between First Nations and the Crown."

Indigenous people make up roughly five percent of Canada's population and many view the British monarchy with deep hostility over colonial-era abuses.

Henderson said that when similar issues emerged in Ontario, the provincial government offered "an alternative oath."

"Our current council has asked for consideration of something similar here because of our close relationship (with local First Nations)," he said.

The territorial government in Yukon, which oversees Dawson, said it would work towards a similar compromise, Henderson said.

"We are waiting to see that response and think that it will be positive... We don't anticipate further disruptions beyond the next two weeks," he added.

"It seems that people want to make it a bigger thing than it may be."
The mayor-elect did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Henderson said some council business is currently "on hold," but the municipality is continuing to function.

According to an Abacus Data poll conducted shortly before Charles's coronation last year, roughly two out of three Canadians support abolishing the monarchy.