Board Of Commissioners Votes In Favor Of Changing Lake Calhoun's Name

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 Tuesday in favor of changing Lake Calhoun's name to its Dakota original -- Bde Maka Ska.

The Tuesday afternoon vote is just the latest step in the long process to change the popular Minneapolis lake's official name. The next step for the name change will be a decision from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. After that, the decision will go to federal authorities.

Related: What Does It Take To Change A Lake's Name?

The push to change Lake Calhoun's name has been underway for years. The lake -- the largest in Minneapolis -- is currently named after John C. Calhoun, a southern statesman and slavery supporter who helped establish Fort Snelling. He died more than 160 years ago.

Last week, the Hennepin County Administration Committee approved a petition to change Lake Calhoun's name. The vote also passed 4-3.