Sault Mayor feels the ceremonial Chain of Office needs an update
Sault Ste. Marie's mayor wants to modernize the city's ceremonial Chain of Office. The chain currently contains symbols of various organizations – some of which no longer exist. It also contains some symbolism that could be described as outdated or culturally insensitive.
"There was widespread agreement that the representation on the Chain of Office of what is referred to on the chain, description as a 'Treaty Indian' is something that is outdated and insensitive,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.
“It should be brought into the modern era as a more proper representation."
Shoemaker said the Chain of Office serves as a symbol of the mayor's office and has no real practical use.
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
- Want more local news? Check out the Sault Ste. Marie page
"It carries more of a historical significance than anything," he said.
"I don't wear it at council meetings. It hangs in the office when it's not in use. During ceremonial events like the inauguration or the presentation of the Medal of Merit, it is used and has been used historically."
Shoemaker said while the Chain of Office needs to be updated, it's not what he would call a "burning priority" for city council. It's expected to cost upwards of $5,000 to update the chain, with the money coming from the mayor's office budget.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.