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 It also contains some symbolism that could be described as outdated or culturally insensitive.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on the Chain of Office of what is referred to on the chain, description as a 'Treaty Indian' is something that is outdated and insensitive,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6971690.1721501775!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Israeli military says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks
The Israeli army said Saturday it has struck several Houthi targets in western Yemen following a fatal drone attack by the rebel group in Tel Aviv the previous day.
investigation Prominent Vancouver lawyer accused of moving criminal cash dies before hearing
Vancouver lawyer Michael Bolton likely defended thousands of people over 50 years of practice. But in the end, he would not get a chance to defend himself.
Quebec woman's death warns of dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad
Brian McConnell's daughter, Florence McConnell, died after a liposuction surgery complication in Morocco. Now, he warns others against undergoing cosmetic surgeries abroad.
Democratic consensus solidifies around Harris, should Biden step aside
No one quite knows what the process of picking a new nominee would be if Joe Biden did step aside – but many Democrats say that any process is likelier than ever to quickly end with Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
Steam cleaners, kids' helmets, multivitamins: Here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including steam cleaners, hedgehog pet food, kids' bike helmets and multivitamins.
Polar bear 'Baffin' dies at Calgary Zoo after not resurfacing from pool
A polar bear died in its enclosure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on Friday.
LCBO confirms strike over, stores to reopen Tuesday
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the union representing 10,000 of its workers reached a tentative agreement Saturday, clearing the way for stores to open Tuesday.
A downtown apartment for $1,200 a month? Here is one group’s plan on how Toronto can rethink its vacant office space
A Canadian think-tank has a plan to keep young people from fleeing urban centres in search of more affordable accommodations.