Oregon Lawmakers Push to Rename Geographic Locations with Offensive Names
Salem, OR – Oregon lawmakers are moving swiftly to address the issue of offensive geographic names in the state. The Oregon Senate will soon consider House Bill 3532, which aims to expedite the renaming process for numerous creeks, lakes, and mountains that bear derogatory names. The bill mandates the Oregon Geographic Names Board, in consultation with local governments and Indigenous tribes, to compile a list of these offensive names and propose new ones within three years of its passage.
The bill follows the Oregon Historical Society’s identification of at least 107 locations featuring derogatory terms that target Black individuals, immigrants, and Native American women. Examples include Squaw Creek, Chinaman Hat, and Cannibal Mountain. Current procedures for changing names involve extensive community consultation, site visits, and, ultimately, federal approval—a process criticized for being overly long.
House Bill 3532 received overwhelming support in the Oregon House, passing with a 45-3 vote. It aims to build on a previously enacted law that successfully removed the term "squaw" from certain names in 2001, though many have still not been addressed. Among the bill’s supporters is Rep. Tawna Sanchez, an Indigenous lawmaker, who emphasizes the importance of renaming these sites to foster a more inclusive environment.
Despite the progress at the state level, there are concerns about potential federal roadblocks to renaming efforts, especially under differing political administrations. Sanchez expressed hopes that the federal government will honor the recommendations from Oregon’s processes. Lawmakers and Indigenous representatives alike stress that the continued presence of these offensive terms on maps perpetuates harm, making the renaming initiative vital for Oregon’s future.
As Oregon works toward this legislative change, it joins a broader national movement to confront and rectify the legacy of derogatory place names.
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