Recent revisions to the North American Stratigraphic Code and suggestions for implementation by Canadian geoscientists: replacing culturally offensive unit names and utilizing Indigenous place names

There is increasing recognition and discussion in international science enquiry of the embedment of culturally offensive terminology within various classification systems. The geosciences are in the early stages of such discussions, but there is increasing awareness that some geological unit names may be offensive to Indigenous Peoples or other social groups. Recent revisions to the North American Stratigraphic Code now permit replacement of culturally offensive or otherwise inappropriate unit names, and also allow for the use of maps produced by Indigenous governments or organizations as a valid source of toponyms for new unit names. We urge all Canadian geoscientists to raise awareness of these changes to the Code and implement them in their research and project development, taking into consideration the role of community consultation and engagement. Canada’s geological surveys can provide leadership in these efforts, and organizations should review their data systems as a means of identifying offensive unit names. Replacing offensive unit names is now a codified process and we encourage Canadian geoscientists to take action.