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Council names three floodway lakes after native tribes as part of cultural recognition push
Summary
The council approved naming three new flood control lakes in West Dallas the “3 Sisters Lakes,” assigning indigenous names (including a Lipan Apache name) after tribal and community consultation; staff will work with tribes on signage and wayfinding that balances language use and emergency response needs.
The Dallas City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution naming three floodway lakes in West Dallas the “3 Sisters Lakes” with individual indigenous names proposed by tribal representatives and a city naming committee.
Speakers from multiple tribes and tribal organizations — including the Lipan Apache Scribe of Texas and Cherokee Nation representatives — described the names as a means to recognize Native presence and history in the region. The proposed lake names use native words for “sister” from Comanche, Wichita and Lipan Apache languages; proponents said the names were reviewed by tribal language departments.
City staff told council the final signage and wayfinding will be developed in consultation with tribal representatives and emergency responders. Staff noted that emergency response locations in the floodway use mile markers for 911 dispatch and that any presentation signage will include standard reference markers to ensure first‑responder access and avoid confusion.
Council members praised the plan as a symbolic and reparative recognition of native history and asked staff to review broader naming policies across city facilities for consistency.
The council adopted the naming resolution and authorized staff to work with tribal partners on signage, storytelling and wayfinding to ensure accessibility and emergency response compatibility.
