Boston challenged the students to take on a bigger project. He suggested the idea of building a statue of an American Indian woman and child to honor the Indian heritage of Mayes County.
Soap countered that she would be offended today if someone addressed her as squaw.
“In some areas I think it is a respectful term, but I don't think it is here,” said Soap.
Student Mikki Langston said the club had come up with the name “Cedar Creek.” Langston said cedar is a local plant and “has no offense to anybody.”
Commissioner Alva Martin said he had never associated the term with anything bad.
“I just felt it was a part of Oklahoma's history,” said Martin.
Commissioner Melvin Pritchett said his wife is Indian and she doesn't like being referred to as squaw.
The commissioners approved sending the resolution to rename the creek to the Legislature. Martin said state Rep. Ben Sherrer will take the matter with him to Oklahoma City.
The final decision to change the name of the creek is in the hands of the House of Representatives. Martin said a bill must be drafted and presented on the House floor.
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