Change Sexist 'Squaw Peak' To 'Piestewa Peak' In AZ

[Bobbieo]

Fellow Democrats,

I received an e-mail late last night urging me to contact the United State Geological Service (USGS) to express my support to change the name of one of Arizona's mountains from Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak. It didn't take me long to realize the importance of this change.

Not often do we see a change so fitting, I personally feel the current name, Squaw Peak, is one of the most derogatory and belittling terms used against women. The recommended new name is one that honors women, veterans and all Americans. This is because Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa, a Hopi woman, was killed on the third day of Iraqi Freedom, the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Historically, she was the first Native American woman to die in combat with the United States Army. Called Kocha-Hon-Mana by her family, tribal members and friends, she was from Tuba City.

This is the right thing to do and for the sake of our fallen patriots and warriors in the name of one of our fallen sister's. I ask you to help to get the word out to other groups to help rename this mountain. E-mails need to be sent to [e-mail] in order to change the name of Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak. Emails to the USGS need to happen today, they will make their decision tomorrow, 10 April.

Thank you,

Jeff Latas, Lt Col., USAF, (ret)
Vice Chair, Arizona Democratic Party
Chair, Arizona Democratic Veterans' Caucus

[Xenocrates]

1. I still don't have enough posts to make a rec! Someone Help! (nt)

[karab]

2. even more

These names occur all around the country and are disgusting. In eastern North Carolina there is a Fat Jig Road - named for an African-American who once lived on the road.

[leftyclimber]

6. I got it for ya. :)

edit: woohoo! Number 5!

[msedano]

3. Yes, I thought it had already been debated...

and agreed upon. Although I remember reading resentful comments from local politicians. I got the impression that patriotism had trumped racism and Pvt Lori Piestewa (or was she PV2?) had been so honored. Dang, and Jessica got her movie and medals.

Recommended and forward to other veterans. My email:

I urge your agency take immediate action to rename "Squaw Peak" near Phoenix AZ in honor of SP4 Lori Piestewa. Spc. Piestewa died in combat defending her brothers- and sisters-in-arms. Others in that convoy have been recognized and lionized in books and movies. Not Lori Piestewa.

What a fitting tribute to a valiant soldier, awarded Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medals, and promoted from E3 to E4 posthumously, to change the local landmark name from that demeaning women to name the heroic woman who is the first U.S. woman killed in combat in the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

I am a veteran and draftee of the U.S. Army, 1969-1970, and urge this naming action on behalf of my fellow veterans of military service.

Regards,

Michael Sedano
address...

[sarge43]

7. She was a PFC. n/t

[msedano]

9. Posthumous promotion nt

[texastoast]

4. Yech

I despise the intention of the term "squaw." And it is all over the country. Mind if I copy your text and send it out?

[Bobbieo]

5. Texas Toast= Be My guest if you are referring to me. The Peak name is

being settled today!!! I simply want people to ge aware of what is happening. The answer will be on the front page of The Arizona Republic tomorrow

[sarge43]

8. I send an e-letter, Bobbieo. Thanks for the heads up on this n/t

[Ptah]

10. Squaw Peak in Phoenix officially renamed for slain Indian soldier

The Associated Press
PHOENIX — The U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted Thursday to
officially change the name of a prominent Phoenix mountain to
Piestewa Peak to honor the first American Indian woman to die
in combat while serving in the U.S. military.


edit to add link:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/frontpage/82235.php

[sarge43]

11. Good. Long overdue. n/t

[The Doctor.]

12. Hell yeah. It's about time we did something about "Dick Creek" too!

While we're at it, we should take care of "Penis Point" and the "Vagina Catacombs". :silly:

[Bobbieo]

13. Ptah - That is wonderful news!!!!!!

[The Doctor.]

14. Hehehe.... FWIW, I never thought 'Squaw' was derogatory. Have I been naïve?

I have no problem with people changing names where they feel it's appropriate, but 'gender neutralization' is not in and of itself a noble cause.

Think about it...

We could Kick the male gender out of language, but what would we get?

We wouldn't have 'history' any more, we'd have 'herstory'. Instead of 'asking', you'd be 'asqueen'. Of course you know what you'd wind up with if you reverse-gendered 'hotdog'... :evilgrin:

From there it's all downhill. :silly:

[petersjo02]

15. I think this was taken care of several years ago.

News broadcasts, newspapers, and maps down there all refer to it as Piestawa Peak and have since soon after she died. Lori was a close friend of Jessica Lynch, and Jessica went to Arizona several times to participate in events honoring Lori, one of which was the renaming of the mountain.

[Ptah]

16. Correct, at the state level the change happen years ago. Today The U.S. Board on Geographic Names

Today The U.S. Board on Geographic Names made it national:

PHOENIX — The U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted
Thursday to officially change the name of a prominent
Phoenix mountain to Piestewa Peak to honor the first
American Indian woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/frontpage/82235.php