Offended by ‘squaw’ reference





I read your article (“Historical statue comes with house,” April 5) and thought I should comment on a couple of points.

One would be the quote “‘At the time of the unveiling there were 10 Indians present, including two squaws and a child in full (regalia),’ Schneider said.”

I am Cherokee and this is an incredibly offensive statement. The term squaw means “whore.” Cherokee never use the word, and the ignorance of the general public about the term is widespread, but no excuse for using it.

The other item not correct in the article was “Iron Eyes Cody, a Cherokee.” Cody was Italian and not Aboriginal American at all. Roy Hamilton Citizen of the Cherokee Nation Stilwell, OK


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