U.S. changes sites named 'squaw'

WASHINGTON, April 30 (UPI) -- The term "squaw" is slowly being eliminated from geographical sites in the United States at the urging of American Indians who consider it derogatory to women.

This year the U.S. Board on Geographical Names has renamed 16 valleys, creeks and other sites, the most of any year in a decade, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Valerie Fast Horse, of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho, Montana and Washington, says the usual translation of "squaw" is a profane term for female genitalia.

"They should translate it into English and see how fast they get changed," Fast Horse, adding it so offensive to her tribe that members refer to it as the "S" word, told USA Today.

Nine states have laws allowing them to change the names of public places that use terms defined as offensive.

Changing the names of geographical features such as mountains and lakes is the responsibility of the federal government.