FAIRBANKS — During the first week of school in August 2010, students in an eighth grade physical science class at Randy Smith Middle School made a startling discovery. There were racist names on an Alaska topographic map.
Students were moving through various stations, set up by teacher Jayne Naze, outlining the different topics to be covered during the term when student Trent Johns noticed the derogatory place name, “Negrohead Creek,” near Minto, on a U.S. Geological Survey topographic map.
“That’s racist,” he said aloud, garnering the attention of his classmates.
“I first thought he (Trent) was kidding, and I went over to see if it actually was true,” Tayllor Geil said.
Hannah Henry, also recalled the day. “Everyone ran over to look at it and decided that it was pretty racist and wanted to change it,” she said.
The students concerns weren’t wasted on Naze, who began brainstorming on how to turn the discovery into “a teaching moment.”
Naze’s first action was to enlist the help of Tonya Brown, a black-Native teacher at Randy Smith, who was the school’s graduation success coach at the time.
Brown also was aghast that such an offensive epithet remained on state and federal maps and began making calls and researching how to change it.
At the time, neither teacher had any idea of the time and paperwork hurdles that lay ahead.
Now, almost two years later, the Negrohead place names, previously noted as Niggerhead, until they became sanitized across the board in the mid-1960s, are now officially listed by their age-old Athabascan names.
The place name Negrohead Creek, in Minto Flats, has been replaced with its original Athabascan name Lochenyatth Creek, which translates to “grassy tussocks,” in the lower Tanana Athabascan language.
In addition, another derogatory Interior place name, researched by the eighth grade students, Negrohead Mountain, northeast of the village of Chalkyitsik, also has been changed to its original Athabascan designation Tl’oo Khanishyah Mountain which translates to “grassy tussocks” in the Gwich’in Athabascan language.
The name changes were recently finalized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and will appear as such in state and federal maps and in the Geographic Names Information System database.
Throughout the place name change process, Naze and Brown were supported by Robert Charlie, an Athabascan from Minto, who has worked for years on a mapping project to correctly identify Athabascan place names throughout the Minto Flats area, and James Kari, a University of Alaska Fairbanks professor emeritus of linguistics.
The men shared source references with the teachers and helped in writing up the necessary forms for the place name changes that were submitted to the Alaska Historical Commission to be approved before being sent to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for consideration.
The proposed place name changes also were sent to the tribal governments in the Interior for approval.
Both Charlie and Kari visited Naze’s classroom at different times and shared with students the history of Alaska place names that have been used for thousands of years by Alaska’s First People.
“They (students) were really enthusiastic about talking about Athabascan place names,” Kari said. “It is a really interesting knowledge system.”
Although place names were unwritten, Kari explained, they were memorized, and shared and remain remarkably consistent across language and dialect, with maybe slight changes in pronunciation.
Five of the original eighth grade class members, who will enter 10th grade in August, gathered recently to talk about how their initial indignation at defamatory place names was taken seriously by their teachers, and acted upon, and are now abolished, replaced by traditional Athabascan names.
It took a child’s eye to catch this, and a child’s voice to get things changed,” Roberts said.
Henry summed up the students’ feelings with, “It’s pretty cool.”
The teacher’s advice to students when they see injustice: “Say something. Do something or tell somebody.”
Comments (40)
Add commentKooooodoooos!
Kooooodoooos!
While I support this
While I support this initiative, I am also troubled by the changing of historical names just because it offends someone. Where does it stop? There is also a trend to change everything back to the native name. In Minto, it probably doesnt matter much as it is a rural, tribally associated area. Most people in Minto are probably native. I start to have issue when it no longer becomes a usable name. I don't speak much Tlingit. A little but not much. Renaming Brotherhood Bridge to what ever the heck it is now was a waste. No one can pronounce it and so they still call it Brotherhood Bridge, which is a great name anyway. I mean really. If I decide I don't think Pres Lincoln was a good guy, should we rename Lincoln Nebraska to its Sioux name? At some point, you have to realize we are in the year 2012, and that we speak English.
Moving standards
KP has a point. What was acceptable language yesterday no longer is today. And what's fine today won't be tomorrow.
Are we trapped in an endless cycle of political correctness?
Racist?
Is "Negro" not a generic noun describing a specific race of mankind? What kind of word is "caucasion"? Should that word be struck from all government forms and employment applications? The fact that these maps have been "sanitized" to remove the derogatory synonym of 'negro' was action enough. I bet our coin collections have to have a section renamed, as well. Native American Head Nickels.
I think the bigger question
I think the bigger question is: are we unable to differentiate between words that may offend some people, and words that have a historical basis of racism, discrimination, and oppression?
People who think political correctness is about not offending people don't know what political correctness is. It's not about being nice to people and watching your words so they don't cry, it's about being conscious of the connotations and history of the words you use. It's all well and good to say "words can never hurt me," but the fact is that all of our perceptions are derived from language. It creates our reality.
FYI:
The term Negro Head was slang for spring growth of shoots and roots in shrubs of an Alaskan muskeg. Or down south the roots from a cypress tree. In the Navy it was a term for a type of pulley, such as used for pot pulling.
Mark Twain
I appreciate these kids taking up the issue, but as commented above such a cleansing of history can be taken too far. Let's not forget the not too long ago discussion of "Cleaning up" some of Mark Twain's beloved works.
Not saying it should never happen, but sometimes education would be a better option over obfuscation.
@p - you're preaching
@p - you're preaching reality? That's funny...
The Athabascan names ARE the historical names ...
... NOT the more recently-added derogatory names.
Seriously, language DOES reflect, create, dismantle, change, hurt, heal, …, shape and reshape our reality. It speaks to our state of mind--good and bad. Language IS power--just ask any group of people who were forced to give up their language in order to speak the language of the vanquishers; ask the people who had to hear their names for creeks be diminished from "grassy tussocks" to "negrohead".
When those kids became aware of that naming transgression, they were bright enough to take steps to rectify the error. Those are the people we'll want as future leaders: sensitive to the feelings of others and unafraid to make a change.
No, robynlynn, we all aren't
No, robynlynn, we all aren't "sensitive" to these words. Making language politically correct only helps ease your guilt, for whatever reason, you feel guilty. I've never been able to figure out why some people live their whole lives feeling guilty.
Go into these communities (either physically or virtually) that you think need protecting from the white guy's language (and face it, that's who the real villain is here, in your mind) and listen.
Why is it that the progressives have to have their noses into everything that they perceive to be out-of-line with their sense of "reality"?
The America bashing is getting tiresome. One would think that this country is evil to the core.
7 Dirty Places You Can't Post in the Comments Sections
Reading this story reminded me of the time I sailed around Lake Titicaca, took in the Feb 2nd events at Gobbler's Knob, and climbed Nippletop in the Adirondacks.
I thought it was more stereotypical
than racist, and only if hair styles don't change. Most likely attributable to the land's unique topography. There was another learning opportunity here. This 'station' subject matter was topography. Map making, otherwise referred to as cartography, is the 'sweat equity' of this sheepskin trade meaning boots on the ground. Lewis and Clark stuff, and when you are in the middle of it ambiguity doesn't cut it. The history of cartography and surveying is a learning moment all its own.
So, in our endeavors to 'white out' derogatory nameplates lets not forget the perspective of boots on the ground. Not from 5000 feet, and I propose any non-English nameplates be provided subtitles for the general viewing public.
Place names
Over the centuries geographical features have been named for various reasons. Most Native names are descriptive or named for an event in the past, and only a few for individuals.
There are many, or even most of the place names in Alaska have been given by explorers, the Russians or early historical immigrants and like it or not, they are fairly well fixed on maps and navigational charts. In 1793-94 George Vancouver named over a hundred major geographical features in Alaska. South of Craig, Bucareli Bay is filled with Spanish place names. In other areas many places were named after individuals, many of whom no one today knows who they were. Around Juneau, we have names for individuals who were never here, like Gastineau, Mendenhall and Haines.
I don't think these names can be changed easily.
Dr. Tom Thornton has published several studies of Native place names in Southeast, and if certain features have not yet been named, it might be good to use the traditional Tlingit names.
A side note: Learning indigenous place names can be very informative, educational and even entertaining. For example in the northern interior there is a well-know mountain pass called Anuktuvak Pass. It is a place where hundreds of caribou cross in their annual migrations, and where the Innuit hunted them. In their language "anuk" means the waste droppings of animals and humans. "Tuvak" means a large amount of that substance, whatever you are talking about.
If you want to go caribou hunting in the area, you don't need some detailed map or GPS tool. To make sure you are in the right mountain pass, just look at your boots !!
By the way, the river that "drains" Anuktuvak has an interesting English name - it is called "The John."
See, one can learn and laugh.
Rough Cut
What? "Kids can't read or write" - well then how did they "spot an offensive....spot on the map"
Oh, I see.... they can't read or write, but some teacher showed them a map and told them what to do.... the teacher had to show them how to read the names.
Wow, you have such great insights and knowledge. I'm sure you acquired that all by yourself without ever having to go to school
I am all for diversity and
I am all for diversity and learning about other cultures. I mean my minor is in Anthro of AK. after all. I enjoy it. But it really gets ridiculous. If you ask the kids what school they go to, and they trust you and are willing to be open with their humor, it isnt Tsaantikahine (however the heck you spell it). The kids merely refer to it as "Suck my weinie" middle school. Can you imagine if you ever had to write down which middle school you went to? Most will never remember the real name, nor how to spell it. Culture lessons aside, just give it a name they can spell and pronounce.
From the midwest
There is a difference among the way people talk about themselves and others. Years ago, when Norway became independent, they kept a royal tradition of a king as their symbolic leader. Norwegians in the US, criticized their relatives and began joking about those "dumb Norwegians." In the Midwest today one can find many books of Norwegian jokes.
But the fun and humor are just that - people laughing at themselves because they know that they are not perfect and make mistakes.
That is much different from people laughing at, deriding and belittling others.
There is a place south of Juneau called "Sumdum" where for a while there was a mining community and post office. The Tlingit name for that place was not "Sum -dum" but something like "Saaw -daan" a place where there were Dungeness crabs. Years ago, a descendant of the Natives who lived in the area told me how insulted he felt when someone laughed at him and said, "Oh, you are one of those "some dumb" Indians" This is the kind of thing that needs to be corrected.
We can laugh at ourselves because we know that we are just human, but insulting others out of bigotry, prejudice and ignorance should be changed.
@kp
Why shouldn't we expect higher standards for our kids? Why should we "dumb it down" so they can easily pronounce something? kids will make up slang for any word - it's what kids do. as adults, we should be teaching respect for ourselves and each other - one way to show respect is to make an attempt to learn from each other. it is seen as a sign of respect by many Alaska Natives when a new building, school, road, etc. is given a name in the language of the local Native people. It's a form of healing from the harms that were commited in the past. Yes, I know you, personally, didn't commit those atrocities, but does it really "steal from your purse or break your leg" to help in the healing process?
This was an opportunity to learn some local history and to make a difference, to have a concrete connection to their state - something we should be encouraging. And clearly there is a conversation started by their actions - so I applaud the kids and their teacher.
Most of our streets, trails etc. commemerate
a person, place or thing. I like a good history lesson as much as the next person but I am not looking for one while getting from point A to B.
The historical, cultural and healing attributes will be lost on Aunt Clara from Topeka, Kansas.
Who cares, KD2?
I guess I really don't give a flying fig if Aunt Clara from Topeka doesn't understand why "Negrohead" is an offensive name that middle school children were able to change to something unoffensive. In fact, if Aunt Clara doesn't understand, that's probably a good indication of her education level.
And no one is forcing a history lesson on you - take it or leave it as you will.
akyooper
Maybe you haven't noticed, but in education beyond the elementary school, there are really four "R" called popularly as "reading, 'riting,'rithmatic"and the fourth is "reasoning." It is called not just memorizing things, but learning to question, discuss and even debate what one is told.
So when students find that something on the map is offensive to others, they learn to speak up, ask questions and see what they can do.
So maybe what you call "lycra wearing, subaru driving liberals" are doing just what the parents and many others want teachers to do - teach their children to question and think for themselves, and if needs be, do something.
It is really quite a different approach to learning than telling students "I (we) have all the answers, don't ask questions."
That is called "indoctrination," not "teaching."
Aunt Clara sends her best.
She's going to have a talk with your mother.
Be careful! White Pass is next!
(GASP!) WHITE PASS IS RACIST!
Quick! Grab all the maps! Get the books out of the library! Re-do every publication and film with that reference! Someone might see it and think Alaskans are (gasp! choke!) Racist!!!
Oh my god! Not racist?!?
Oh! And Women's Bay near Kodiak is sexist!!
(gasp! scream! hiding!)
But seriously, as a left-wing liberal, historic names of places that might have a racist, sexist, homophobic undertone do not offend me in the least.
If I saw a sign that read "Niggerhead/Negrohead Creek" while touring Alaska, I'd take a picture of myself next to the sign.
As Latitude says, we are stuck in an endless cycle of political correctness. Most people really aren't that offended at things like this. It's just fun to scream "RACISM!" all the time for some people.
Imposter:
Jo, is that really you making that comment? Imposter I say.
Even though I do agree.
Learning
The learning opportunity was missed. It should have been to provide discourse on the topic of current racism and to show discretion for historical look back. Not to be confused with paying homage.
White Pass Railroad
Jo
That is the problem. People look at place names and have no idea of the history behind them and why they came to be.
For example, the "White Pass " railroad from Skagway to Whitehorse (named apparently because the rapids on the Yukon River looked like racing white horses) was not named because it was the "White man's route" over a traditional Tlingit trade route. It was named to honor a Canadian government official by the name of White.
I know that a lot of folks may think the study of history is a waste of time, but a knowledge of history could dissolve a lot of misunderstanding, frustration and venting by those who do not know history.
the only person screaming here
is you, Jo. With your use of exclamation marks and all caps, your post is about as shrill as it gets.
I don't think the class missed the history lesson at all. They simply felt the need to take action rather than be passive observers. The results are viewed as good or bad depending upon one's worldview. These kids didn't do anything wrong and a civil and informed discussion should be possible but seems unlikely given many of the posts.
@kd - my mother and i will be glad to host Aunt Clara, should a real one exist. my response to you was more along the lines of "what was your point" than worrying about insulting a fictional person whom you used to say what exactly?
we don't turn people away from the door just because we might disagree. and who knows? Aunt Clara might just decide changing the name was a good thing.
It's wonderful that these
It's wonderful that these students were taking this degree of interest in the state's geography.
Spiff
I agree. What a lot of folks seem to think is that "education" is to have young people, accept as absolute truth whatever their teachers, parents or others tell them.
The Latin term "e-ducere" means to lead someone out of some place, concepts, ideas, beliefs that their forebears accepted. Many years ago, as a teacher, I used a text entitled "Teaching As A Subversive Activity." It explained a lot of things. Real teaching, in my opinion, should be "subversive" and even challenge the teacher and his or her ideas.
Some who consider themselves "conservative" seem to want to "conserve" what has given them a "good life," or "conserve" what was set up long ago, or taught as religious beliefs from centuries ago. Others are seen as "liberals" meaning free and open, as in other words coming from that same Latin term "liber" as in liberty, liberal education or liberal arts.
The young children of today will be living much of their adult life in a completely different world that you or I or others have experienced. The climate is changing, world population is exploding, natural resources are running out. To tell or teach children that we have all the answers, that they just need to live by the ways of the past, isn't going to work in the real world in which they will be living.
So write me then as a "liberal," call me whatever you want, but if we don't allow our young people to discover and adapt.
to a new world, I personally think we are failing them.
I say "Hooray" to the teachers and students who recognized faults from the past, and said and did something in the world of today.
@wmolson
(sigh). I was being sarcastic with reference to White Pass and I deliberately took it out of context to prove a point which I will explain here.
My point is, do we really need to put every word, utterance, creek name under a microscope with the futile hope of finding some word, name or term that won't offend 100% of the population?
My answer is, no, we do not.
My other point is, our society seems to be drunk on finding something, ANYthing where we can point a finger and scream "RACIST!" and that's really annoying to free thinkers like me. Because we don't stop there. Those same types scream "SEXIST!" with the simplest and most innocent of terms sometimes.
Yes, there are sexist and racist words, terms and names for things out there. There always will be. Must we sanitize everything with the futile hope that no one will be offended?
For if we do, then I propose we don't stop there. I propose that we rename Ted Stevens International Airport and Ronald Reagan International Airport to something else because republican politicians disgust me. Therefore, anything named after them disgusts and offends me as well. (I'm being sarcastic here again, if you missed it)
Also, I like honky tonk music. Isn't THAT racist? I mean, the term contains the outdated word for a white person! HONKY tonk! Should we change that word as well, or just leave it alone because we know we are talking about music instead of white people? If people say, "Let's canoe Negrohead Creek" are they talking about a creek, or are they calling someone a name?
My solution:
1. Quit putting the English language under a microscope looking for anything that is remotely sexist or racist. Save sexist and racist claims for where they really exist.
2. Try not to be so damn sensitive.
3. Stop taking words out of context. The fact that I can't even type the most popular adjective (rhymes with 'truck') in this forum without having it filtered is testament that Americans fear certain words irrespective of their context. I wish this would stop. Honky Tonk music isn't a racist term. Neither is Negrohead Creek. Both terms simply contain a word that can be interpreted as racist, if taken out of context.
4. The name of a creek isn't calling anyone the N word. Yes, it's a racist name. Big deal. Was the teacher really that "aghast?"
Summary: Words alone, are not racist. The context in which they are used determines if they are racist words or not.
Fear no words.
I definitely think someone
I definitely think someone has hacked Jo's computer. We don't normally agree, but I have to heartily agree with this post. Scary.