MINNEAPOLIS - Lake Calhoun's name has officially changed to Bde Maka Ska.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved the name change on Jan. 18, after months of debate.
Back in 2015, signs were changed to reflect both names, but on Monday, they were finally updated with only the new name. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will also begin referring to the lake as Bde Maka Ska in all communications.
Lake Calhoun was named in the 1800s after former vice president, senator and outspoken slavery supporter John Calhoun.
Bde Maka Ska (pronounced b-day ma-KHA skah) is a Dakota name for the lake that has been passed down for years, and was already used by the American Indian community. It means White Earth Lake.
Years of community activism prompted the name change effort, which then had to be approved by the park board, the county, and finally the state.
