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The United States Board of Geographic Names was responsible for establishing and mapping names of geographic places in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when offensive names were widely used. Towns, mountains, passes, hills and rivers were given names like “N-word Creek,” “Squaw Valley” and “Jewtown.” Now, those names are unacceptable — in most places. Yet dozens of words and names that are offensive to Native Americans remain on signs and mile markers across the country. Some states have taken the initiative to change all offensive names. Are offensive historical names of geographical places hurting Native Americans today? What steps could be taken to change those names?

Guests:

Basil Brave Heart (Oglala Lakota) – Oglala Lakota elder and a member of the Grey Eagle Society (Pine Ridge) and Red Feather Society

Lyndell Petersen – chairman of the Pennington County Commission

Evon Peter (Gwich’in and Koyukon) – vice chancellor for Rural, Community and Native Education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

 

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