The Department of the Interior (DOI) has released a list of replacement names for more than 660 geographic features containing the name “squaw,” which was officially declared a derogatory term. DOI is conducting a public comment period for feedback on the proposed replacement names.
“Consideration of these replacements is a big step forward in our efforts to remove derogatory terms whose expiration dates are long overdue,” said DOI Secretary Deb Haaland in a statement.
Candidate replacement names were derived through a search of nearby named geographic features until at least five nearby names were available, according to the Federal Register notice.
For example, “Squaw Mesa” replacement names include “Castle Mesa,” as “Castle Creek” is the nearest named feature.
To submit comments, visit www.regulations.gov and search for docket number DOI–2022-0001, or mail to Reconciliation of Derogatory Geographic Names, MS–511, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20192.
