State Seeks Input on Name Changes for Derogatory Named Land Features, Including in Chelan County

The Washington State Committee on Geographic Names is accepting feedback as the U.S. Department of Interior prepares to change the name of 18 geographic features in the state.

The land features are currently named after the same derogatory term for indigenous women, including a lake and ridge in Chelan County. Squaw Lake and Squaw Creek Ridge in Chelan County are pending a name change. There are four new potential names for each land feature.

"The federal government is looking to no longer have those derogatory words on the landscape and to do so, they've proposed a blanket name change," said Kenny Ocker, Department of Natural Resources communications manager.

The Department of Interior is driving the name change proposal and the state will hand the feedback off to the federal government.

The comment period closes April 25. To read more on the re-naming options and to provide input, visit here.