California to Remove Derogatory Term "Squaw" from Geographic Features by 2025
In a significant move toward cultural sensitivity, the California Natural Resources Agency announced on Friday that it will remove the offensive term "squaw" from over 30 geographic features across the state by January 1, 2025. This term has historically served as a derogatory label for Native American women, and its elimination aims to rectify past injustices against California’s Native American communities.
Secretary Wade Crowfoot stated, "The names we give to places in California reflect our shared history and culture. These place names should never insult communities or perpetuate discrimination." This initiative aligns with California’s broader efforts to create a more inclusive environment and follows a trend seen at the federal level, where the U.S. Interior Department has likewise sought to eradicate this term from over 660 locations nationwide in recent years.
The decision to remove "squaw" from California’s geography comes on the heels of legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. The law mandates local governments to choose new names for the affected sites, which include cemeteries, bridges, and streets. If they fail to do so by the deadline, a state commission will intervene.
Notable locations affected include a cemetery in Fresno and a bridge in Humboldt County. Recent changes have been observed in areas such as West Sacramento, where two street names were changed to "Tebti," representing local Indigenous culture. The term "squaw" was officially designated as derogatory by the Interior Department in 2021, citing its history as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur.
The initiative not only aims to honor Native American heritage but also fosters a deeper understanding of the negative implications attached to certain geographic names as California strives for a more respectful discourse regarding its diverse communities.
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