Bill in Montana Aims to Remove Words From Maps, Signs and Markers

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers will consider legislation that would remove the words "half breed" and "breed" from the names of creeks and other places around the state.

Republican Rep. Nicholas Schwaderer of Superior is expected to introduce House Bill 331 in the State Administration Committee Thursday.

The bill would require state and other agencies to remove the terms from maps, signs and markers when age or vandalism calls for an update. It would also create a volunteer advisory group to determine replacement names.

The idea for the bill came out of work with members of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians on the Montana Indian Languages Preservation Pilot Program.

The bill expands on one that passed through Legislature in 1999 to remove the word "squaw" from place names in the state.