Indians Laud ‘Squaw’ Removal

American Indians, joined by whites, on Thursday celebrated the completion of a decadelong project to remove the derogatory word “squaw” from the names of 76 streams, buttes and mountains across Montana. “We celebrate 76 old places and 76 new names,” said Jennifer Perez Cole, Indian affairs coordinator for Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Ch-paa-qn (or Shining Peak or Gray Colored Peak) stands tall on the horizon in Missoula and Sanders counties. The name replaces the old Squaw Peak. Perez Cole said Montana was the second state to undertake such an effort, following Minnesota. Other states have followed. This derogatory word ‘squaw’ was a word used by white men to describe Indian women,” she said. “We sent a message in ‘99 that it was unacceptable”/ Charles S. Johnson , Missoulian. More here .

Question: Similarly, efforts are under way in Idaho & Washington to remove the name “squaw” from geographic places. Do you approve of these efforts?