Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Name Change for 'Squaw Peak Drive' Gains Traction

coloradoguy.com

A movement is afoot to change a controversial street name near a Phoenix mountain that formerly had a title which offended Native Americans and others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Arizona Republic reports the mountain was changed from "Squaw Peak" to "Piestewa Peak" more than a decade ago in honor of American Indian soldier Lori Piestewa, who died in the Iraq war. But the name deemed derogatory by many remains on a city street near the landmark.

Mayor Greg Stanton has called for a renaming of Squaw Peak Drive and asked city staff last fall to start the name change process.

A Street Transportation Department spokeswoman says the city is still researching the issue.

The Phoenix Human Relations Commission is expected to discuss the name change at a Jan. 23 meeting and could recommend the City Council take up the matter for a vote.

Related Content