The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names was created by the 2009 SD Legislature to recommend replacements for offensive names for geographic places.  It recently completed its original mission of removing the word “squaw” from the names of SD features. 

The Board is now taking proposals on other name changes and names for currently unnamed SD geographic features.  In June they will begin public testimony on names for an unnamed Minnehaha County creek and an island in the Big Sioux River near Dell Rapids.  “Quarry Island” is the only suggested name thus far.  The public can suggest additional options by linking here to see who to contact:  http://www.sdbgn.sd.gov/contact.aspx