Decision on creek renaming postponed

A state board has deferred action on rival proposals to rename Squaw Creek in Spokane and Whitman counties as a potential compromise has emerged.

Four descendants of pioneer farmer John Paulson persuaded the Washington State Board on Geographic Names to add John Paulson Creek to two other names under consideration. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which had suggested Awtskin Creek, threw its support to Paulson.

Meanwhile, a majority of the seven-member state board voted to go ahead and change Squaw Canyon in Whitman County, through which Squaw Creek flows, to Awtskin Canyon. The name change was among 15 the Coeur d’Alene Tribe requested to rid its traditional territory in Idaho, Washington and Montana of offensive “squaw” names.

Most of the changes have been approved, including rechristening Squaw Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene as Neachen Bay.

Awtskin is a phonetic spelling of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s word for “lookout.” Tribal leaders relate the name to the need to be watchful after an 1858 battle in which several tribes defeated Army Lt. Col. Edward Steptoe.

Many people who live along Squaw Creek didn’t like the tribal proposal and suggested Jack Pine Creek instead. But the tribe wasn’t persuaded that the creek is strongly associated with that kind of tree. Both groups presented their cases Friday, and the Paulson descendants lobbied to join in.

Grant Smith, an Eastern Washington University English professor who serves on the state names board, said the Paulson descendants made a compelling case for adding John Paulson Creek to the names eligible for final consideration.

“It was very persuasive, showing how this old pioneer had dug the soil with so many difficulties,” including a flood, Smith said. “I think there will be a coming together of the community.”

Smith was in the minority in Friday’s vote to change Squaw Canyon to Awtskin Canyon even though he likes the Awtskin name. He said his dissent reflected commitment to the board’s policy of choosing names favored by residents.

The board agreed to consider the creek name change again in March, with all three proposals on the table. However, Smith said, Coeur d’Alene tribal linguist Raymond Brinkman promised the tribe will support the Paulson name.

“It was a nice touch,” Smith said.