Frequently asked questions

photo by: Stephen Colebourne

If we change the name Bragg why not to keep the title Fort? 

The word ‘Fort’ stands for the theft of tribal land and the murder of Indigenous people thus it memorializes a racist and genocidal past. Though it was never the wooden stockade beloved of motion pictures, the small Army garrison was meant to protect the White settlers . . . protect the White settlers while they stole the land, labor, and children of the Native people. Some of those structures still stand in the center of our town. 

Who will cover the expense of changing the name of our City?

No one is quite sure how much the name change will cost but our elected representatives in the California Legislature have told us that, once the residents decide for a name change, they will work to have the state cover these expenses.

Here’s a link to an article written by Mikael Blaisdell that talks about the issue: Will changing the name of the city result in individual costs to the residents?

It’s important to note that the change can be done gradually for those with existing printed materials etc. and ultimately, if people insist on continuing to use “Fort Bragg” as long as you use our zip code, your mail will arrive.

What was the conclusion of the Citizen Commission that took up the name change?

Unanimous recommendations from the Fort Bragg Citizen Commission on Renaming

  • Create city policy to prioritize Land Backto local coastal tribes.

  • Formalize an official agreement to work with local coastal tribes in recognition of their sovereignty and continued stewardship of the land.

  • Support the creation of a cultural center to demonstrate, educate and honor the way of life that existed pre-contact and to honor the many cultures that exist today.

  • Appoint a city council ad hoc to facilitate discussion with schools and local tribes toward presenting a more complete and inclusive history.

  • Support an outdoor event to encourage the local arts, sciences and culture/economy, showcasing the diverse community.

Here’s a link to a talk Christie Olson Day, Citizen’s Commission participant, gave at one of our Teach-Ins: Thoughts on the Citizen’s Commission

What would the new name be?

The short answer is, we don’t know yet. The first step is to get our community to recognize and agree to the need for the change.

Change our Name does not advocate for any particular name at this time. We recognize and respect the wishes expressed by some tribal members not to use their language to name a town that, from their point of view, continues to subjugate their rights to ancestral lands.

We believe that once the need for change has been agreed to, our community should be solicited for ideas and input to come up with the best options.

To see a list of suggestions, or to make one yourself, click on our Names page under “Take Action” in the menu above.

Is changing names “cancel culture” or “rewriting history?”

No, it is about engaging and understanding history and educating people. Names are changed all the time for different reasons. Tulsa, OK was once Tulsey Town and Placerville CA was once Hangtown. Boonville, CA was Kendall’s City and before that, The Corner. Confederate Corners, CA became Springtown on 2018 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtown,_California

and many more name changes can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_renamed_places_in_the_United_States