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NOVEMBER 9, 2000

The Wisconsin Geographic Names Council has approved the name change of at least one "squaw" place name and is considering changing the names of other public locales.

Some residents are opposed to the change of Squaw Bay to Mawikwe Bay, however, and have started up a petition in response. The Council makes changes if there is local support for them.

One of its policies is that Indian related names are appropriate, but they should come from tribes native to Wisconsin. Although the derivation of the word "squaw" is in dispute, many say it comes from an Algonquin language.

Get the Story:
Group considers removing 'squaw' from Wisconsin place names (AP 11/9)

Relevant Links:
The Wisconsin Geographic Names Council - www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/lakes/gnc.htm

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