Counties and number of geographical features including name "Squaw" or "Squa" according to the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC)
Aroostook
6
Cumberland
1
Franklin
1
Penobscot
1
Piscataquis
12
Waldo
2
Washington
2
Dictionary Definitions according to Webster's and Mirriam Webster's
1983: An American Indian woman or wife... Any women, chiefly humorous.
1993: An American Indian woman... Woman or wife, used disparagingly.
1999: Often offensive: an American Indian woman... Used disparagingly: woman, wife.
Roots of "Squaw"
• "Squaw" did not originate in the Wabinaki language.
• Most academics agree that the word orginanally meant wife or woman without negative connotations.
• Some believe it comes from the Mohawk word "Otikwaw" which refers to female genitalia.
There is a majority agreement that the word has a derogatory meaning today. Many view it as a fighting word that sends a message that Native women are promiscuous and objects of public vilification.
Academics agree that while the original Native uses of the word were neutral, and that "Squaw" grew to have a negative, disrespectful, and insulting meaning over the years.
All five tribal Governments in Maine have signed a resolution in support of the removal of the word "Squaw".
1) The Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians
2) The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
3) The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkokmikuk
4) The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik
5) The Penobscot Nation.
Counties and number of geographical features including name "Squaw" or "Squa" according to the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC)
Dictionary Definitions according to Webster's and Mirriam Webster's
1983: An American Indian woman or wife... Any women, chiefly humorous.1993: An American Indian woman... Woman or wife, used disparagingly.
1999: Often offensive: an American Indian woman... Used disparagingly: woman, wife.
Roots of "Squaw"
• "Squaw" did not originate in the Wabinaki language.• Most academics agree that the word orginanally meant wife or woman without negative connotations.
• Some believe it comes from the Mohawk word "Otikwaw" which refers to female genitalia.
There is a majority agreement that the word has a derogatory meaning today. Many view it as a fighting word that sends a message that Native women are promiscuous and objects of public vilification.
Academics agree that while the original Native uses of the word were neutral, and that "Squaw" grew to have a negative, disrespectful, and insulting meaning over the years.
All five tribal Governments in Maine have signed a resolution in support of the removal of the word "Squaw".
1) The Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians
2) The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
3) The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkokmikuk
4) The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik
5) The Penobscot Nation.