Seneca Nation supports new name for island and park in New York


A view of the park in Buffalo, New York. Photo from sbrof / Panoramio

The Seneca Nation supports a new name for Squaw Island, a park in Buffalo, New York.

President Maurice A. John Jr. wants the 60-acre park to be renamed "Unity Island (Ga’nigo:i:yoh)." The name comes from a Seneca word that means "one mind, unity," The Buffalo News reported.

The Buffalo Common Council will hold a public meeting on June 23 to discuss the proposed name. Discussions came after Native women objected to the use of the word "squaw" for a public place.

Other states and jurisdictions are removing "squaw" place names from their maps.

Get the Story:
With urging from Seneca leaders, Buffalo on the verge of renaming Squaw Island (The Buffalo News 6/16)
Key legal milestone coming for Squaw Island name change (Buffalo Business First 6/15)

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Letter: Name island in New York in honor of a Great Clan Mother (1/20)
Native women ask city in New York to find new name for park (11/28)

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