Rename"Squaw"Mountain!

THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT, ARIZONA CHAPTER

From our Mohawk elders we learned that the word "squaw" derived from the Mohawk word "otsikwaw" which means "female genitalia." Early European fur-traders shortened the word to "squaw," and its usage implied the crudest sexual connotations. The "common" use of the term spread across the United States with the settlement of European Americans. Although the word became accepted as part of the English language, through education we have come to understand the inappropriate and derogatory origin of the word. Any place name that includes the word "squaw" represents the sexual objectification of ALL WOMEN and of American Indian women, in particular.

The definition in Webster's Desk Dictionary (1993) reads: squaw: n. OFTEN OFFENSIVE. An American Indian woman, esp. a wife.

We propose the adoption of the English translation of the original Akimel O'otham (Pima) name for the mountain:

IRON MOUNTAIN

We recently met with the committee on geographic place names for the state of Arizona and many members of that committee now see that the word "squaw" should be stricken from all geographic sites throughout the state.

Please write letters of support for the name change to:

Department of Library Archives and Public Records State Capitol

1700 W. Washington

Suite 200

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

re: Geographic Site Names

Letters from Tribal Councils, Indian-owned businesses, American Indian professionals etc., on letterhead, are especially helpful.

Letters of support directly to the Youth Council can be sent to:

Delena Waddle (Tsalagi/Choctaw/Blackfoot) and Seipe Flood (Akimel O'otham/Lakota)

Squaw Peak Name Change Committee

140 E. Hampton Ave.

Mesa, Arizona 85210

or Emailed to AIM Arizona

mailto:aimaz@aol.com

We thank you for your support in this matter and hope that, very soon, American Indian derogatory names, logos, mascots etc., will be a thing of the past.

In Struggle, Delena Waddle & Seipe Flood Co-Directors, AIM, Arizona Youth Council and The Squaw Peak Name Change Committee

The above used with permission of A.I.M. of Arizona and dickshovel.com