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Tourism Campaign Elements Called 'Racist' And Removed

One of the many billboards from the recent campaign.
Alexis Bonogofsky
/
EastofBillings
This billboard was part of the recent Chamber of Commerce campaign.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce has started to remove parts of its campaign that was criticized by a local blogger saying campaign language and imagery was tone-deaf and racist.

The Billings Gazette reports that blogger Alexis Bonogofskypublished an article Monday criticizing three billboards reading “Onward Pioneer” and “Conquer New Endeavors.” Officials say the campaign tagline read “Today is ours for the taking — and tomorrow too.”

The blogger argued the campaign was not culturally sensitive to hundreds of years of genocide, forced assimilation and racism against Native Americans.

Executives say the intent was not malicious or to be racist.

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