Oregon House Passes Bill to Remove “Offensive Place Names” Across the State

Salem, Oregon- The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill Monday aimed at removing derogatory names from the state’s geographic features, including creeks, valleys, roads and mountains.

The Dignity in Place Act, House Bill 3532, led by Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, seeks to expedite efforts to rename sites with offensive terms, such as Squaw Creek in Douglas County, Chinaman Hat in Josephine County, and Cannibal Mountain in Lincoln County.

“Renaming offensive locations in Oregon reflects our shared commitment to mutual respect, historical truth and creating a welcoming environment for all Oregonians,” Sanchez said. “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 a 2001 measure, House Bill 488, spearheaded by then-state Sen. Kate Brown, which initiated the process of removing derogatory names from Oregon’s maps. That effort followed a request from two women from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and led to the identification of 107 geographic locations with offensive names. Many of those names, however, remain in place.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of the Interior launched a nationwide process to replace derogatory terms on federal lands, including the slur “squaw,” which has long been considered offensive to Indigenous communities.

Former Gov. Kate Brown testified in support of HB 3532, calling the legislation a broader and more focused continuation of the earlier work. The bill directs collaboration with the Oregon Historical Society to ensure a comprehensive approach to renaming.

“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 Oregon Senate for consideration.