MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — The U-S Department of the Interior is taking public comments, on removing the derogatory word ‘squaw’ from natural features across the country. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tribal liaison Kris Goodwill says it’s a welcome change.
“I think that this is overdue,” said Goodwill. “Historically, there’s been other derogatory words like the N word, removed from geographic features, there’s also been the pejorative of Japanese that’s been removed.”
The D N R and federal agencies, alongside county governments, will be picking new names for those lakes, rivers, and places over the next year or so.
Public comment on the process is being taken until April 25th.
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