Squaw Gap to be renamed
By Ashleigh Plemper
Farmer Staff Writer
Residents of the Squaw Gap area in southwest McKenzie County are shaking their heads as a result of the Secretary of Interior’s Order 3404, which declared the word ‘Squaw’ derogatory. The order affects more than 660 geographic features across the country, including two in McKenzie County. In addition, the Squaw Creek must change its name. Both of the two geographic features are on the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
“Nobody has ever thought we were disparaging anybody with the use of the name,” says Kathy Skarda, who grew up in that portion of the county.
Today, Skarda’s fondest memories are of growing up in the heart of Squaw Gap.
“It was small town and a unique experience,” she says. “It has always been near and dear to our hearts.”
For the full story, subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer