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 It also contains some symbolism that could be described as outdated or culturally insensitive.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on the Chain of Office of what is referred to on the chain, description as a 'Treaty Indian' is something that is outdated and insensitive,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.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.

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"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.