Wisconsin
28 Wisconsin sites renamed by feds to remove derogatory word
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Greater than two dozen lakes and different websites in Wisconsin are amongst practically 650 peaks, lakes, streams and different locations on federal land within the U.S. which were renamed by the federal government as a result of they included a racist time period for a Native American girl.
The modifications introduced Thursday capped a virtually yearlong course of that started when Inside Secretary Deb Haaland, an American Indian, took workplace in 2021 and labored to take away the offensive phrase “squaw” from use on federal geographic options and lands.
“I really feel a deep obligation to make use of my platform to make sure that our public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming. That begins with eradicating racist and derogatory names which have graced federal areas for a lot too lengthy,” stated Haaland, from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.
In Wisconsin,. there are 28 locations which were renamed together with Squaw Island in Door County, now named Keyes Island.
Chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Ron Corn Sr., tells WLUK-TV he had hoped the names would have been eliminated sooner, however the truth that it is taking place in any respect is gratifying.
“That helps mitigate a chunk of the previous that we simply assumed wouldn’t perpetuate,” stated Corn Sr. “So I believe as a society we’re coming to phrases with how we deal with each other respectfully.”
The general public has an opportunity to weigh in on the brand new names till April 25.
Haaland in the meantime created a panel that can take strategies from the general public on altering different locations named with derogatory phrases.