Montana Geographic Names Advisor
Geographic Name Change Request
Change Squaw Butte to Spirit Woman Butte
Blaine County, Montana
Status =
Approved
| Description |
summit,
elevation 1,027 m (3,368 ft),
located within Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, 1.6 km (1 mi) NW of the mouth of Little Suction Creek, 6.4 km (4 mi) S of Lake Seventeen; the name symbolizes “the Mother who raises her children and holds her family together” |
| Location |
48º01’05”N, 108º50’57”W |
| PLSS Location |
Sec 11,T26N,R22E |
| Proposal |
to change a name considered by some to be derogatory |
| Proponent |
Fort Belknap Indian Community Council; Harlem, MT |
| Not |
Squaw Butte |
| Administrative area |
Fort Belknap Indian Reservation |
| Previous BGN Action |
None |
| See also |
|
| GNIS ID |
777116
|
| Local Usage |
None found
|
| Published |
Squaw Butte (USGS 1971, 1984)
|
|
roposal is to change officially the name of Squaw Butte, located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in southern Blaine County, to Spirit Woman Butte. The change was initiated by the President of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, in response to an inquiry from the Chair of the Montana House Bill 412 Advisory Committee. The name Squaw Butte has appeared on Federal maps since 1971. The proponent reports that the summit serves as a geographic landmark with much significance to the people of Fort Belknap and says the proposed name recognizes “the Mother who raises her children and holds her family together”. A letter in support of the change to Spirit Woman Butte was submitted by Montana State Senator Greg Jergeson. The House Bill 412 Advisory Committee also recommended approval of the change.
|
| Montana Geographic Names Advisor Recommendation -
Support
(Friday, March 14, 2003)
|
| Domestic Names Committee Decision Date -
Wednesday, January 1, 2003 |
