Salem, OR. — Official Release: The House voted to advance the Dignity in Place Act, HB 3532. The bill, led by Representative Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), would expedite a multi-decade effort to rename derogatorily named waterways, valleys, roads and more, in Oregon including Squaw Creek (Douglas County), Chinaman Hat (Josephine County) and Cannibal Mountain (Lincoln County).
In 2021, the U.S. Department of the Interior established a process to review and replace derogatory names of U.S. federal lands, including the slur “squaw.”
“Renaming offensive locations in Oregon reflects our shared commitment to mutual respect, historical truth and creating a welcoming environment for all Oregonians,” said Rep. Sanchez. “My hope is that no one has to drive in any wonderful part of the state of Oregon and feel like they don’t belong there.”
The bill builds on legislation from then-Sen. Kate Brown passed in 2001 (HB488) to eliminate derogatory geographic names from Oregon. The 2001 legislation came at the request of two women from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Since then, the Oregon Historical Society has compiled a list of 107 geographic locations bearing offensive names, but many remain unchanged.
In testimony, former Gov. Kate Brown argued that HB 3532 is focused much more broadly and will work with the Oregon Historical Society to move forward this important work to make all Oregonians feel represented.
“The next generation shouldn’t have to grow up seeing slurs on signs and thinking it’s just something they have to live with,” said Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Oregon City). “It’s long past time we step up, take responsibility, and remove them from our maps and landmarks.” The bill now moves to the Senate.
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