US state wipes 'squaw' from map

The word “squaw” has finally disappears from the names of all public places in the US state of Maine 11 years after a state law aimed to wipe off maps a word deemed offensive by some Native Americans.

The US Board on Geographic Names has approved name changes for a half-dozen locations that still contained a variation of the word “squaw”, which most Indians in Maine say is offensive and translates to prostitute or whore.

State Representative Wayne Mitchell of the Penobscot tribe said it is unfortunate it took so long, but it is good the task has been completed.

The law does not apply to privately owned Big Squaw Mountain Resort near Greenville. Owner James Confalone said he is not changing the name, and insists the word pays tribute to Native Americans.