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California to Remove Offensive Term from Geographic Features
The California Natural Resources Agency announced plans to eliminate the derogatory term “squaw” from over 30 geographic features by 2025. This move aligns with a federal initiative to remove the term from public lands.
The decision stems from a 2022 bill that requires the removal of the word from all geographic place names in California. If local governments fail to choose a new name by January 1, 2025, a commission will make recommendations.
The Interior Department has declared “squaw” an offensive and sexist slur, particularly for Native American women. It is believed to have originated from the Algonquin language, where it simply meant “women.”
Name Changes Underway
Some places in California have already changed their names, including a ski resort in Lake Tahoe. In West Sacramento, officials worked with a local tribe to replace “squaw” with “Tebti,” a reference to the confluence of rivers.
“With continued consultation, tribes can lead initiatives to eliminate such words from California’s public places,” said Anthony Roberts, tribal chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.