Seated, from left: Seneca Nation President Maurice John, Mayor Byron Brown and council member Joseph Golombek. Photo from Facebook
It's official -- Unity Island is the new name of a park in Buffalo, New York. Leaders of the Seneca Nation joined Mayor Byron Brown at a signing ceremony on Monday to unveil the new name for the 60-acre party. It comes from Ga’nigo:i:yoh, a Seneca word that translates to "one mind, unity." "Today we continue to honor the legacy of our Native American brothers and sisters who are forever tied to our city and region. I applaud the citizens who spearheaded the effort for the new name Ga’nigo:i:yoh or Unity Island," Brown said in a press release.
A view of Unity Island in Buffalo, New York. Photo from sbrof / Panoramio
The city has started removing signs with the park's old name -- Squaw Island. New signs will be installed over the summer, Brown said. Members and leaders of the Seneca Nation said the old name was offensive to Native women. Get the Story:
Squaw Island officially renamed Unity Island (WGRZ 7/6)
With mayor's signature, Squaw Island is no more (WBFO 7/6)
Unity Island becomes official name of Niagara River plot (The Buffalo News 7/7)
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Native women ask city in New York to find new name for park (11/28)
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