Indigenous woman seeks to change the name of Buffalo’s Squaw Island

BUFFALO, NY – A Mohawk woman has appealed to the Buffalo Common Council to change the name of “Squaw Island” – a name she and many others believe is offensive to indigenous women.

Jodi-Lynn Maracle, a Mohawk from Tyendinaga who was born and raised in Buffalo, approached the Buffalo Common Council, appealing that they change the name of the 60 acre island to something more traditional and reflective of the history of the territory.

In a letter Maracle wrote to the Council, she stated that it is “embarrassing and reprehensible” that the City continues to “use such an antiquated, racist and sexist term to describe one of its beautiful parks.”

Maracle, who is a stay-at-home mom and student at the University of Buffalo, spoke with the Two Row Times about what inspired her to take action and pursue the name change.

She said that it was during an event at the University where she sat on a panel answering questions about protesting Columbus Day, when a Seneca woman stood up and stated that in order to make real and effective local change that the panel should pursue changing the name of the local island.

“That always stuck with me,” said Maracle.

The park’s name always bothered Maracle, and she said that following the birth of her son she decided that she didn’t want his generation to have to grow up with the offensive term being a part of their community.

“I really believe that if you slowly get used to getting rid of those derogatory terms, that brings the humanity back to those people that it objectified.”

The island is located on the Buffalo River near the Black Rock neighborhood, which sits on traditional Haudenosaune territory. It is now home to Broderick Park, but was previously used to house a garbage incinerator. The traditional name of the island is Dedyo’wenoguhdoh in the Seneca language and means ‘divided island’ because there is a creek that runs through it.

Another interesting issue to the matter is who actually owns the land. According to Maracle, there is previous record that shows the territory belonged to the Seneca Nation of Indians, but that there is no public record where ownership of the island was ever transferred to the City of Buffalo.

Two community events are being held to discuss the matter further. From 12-3 p.m. on Dec 11, at 1272 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, there will be a talking circle with Jodi Lynn Maracle on the topic. Parking and entry is in the rear of the building. Please bring a snack to share.

On Dec 16th at 12:45 p.m. in the Buffalo City Hall 13th floor council chambers, Jodi will be presenting to the Common Council Community Development Committee about the need for the name change. Later the same day, a community group will meet at Burning Books (420 Connecticut St.) at 3 p.m. to consider next steps for the campaign.

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