California bans the word “squaw” from public spaces, deemed offensive to Native Americans

The California Natural Resources Agency will remove the term ” Squaw » of around thirty places including streets, bridges, buildings and even cemeteries, she announced Friday, November 15, in a press release relayed by the National Public Radio . This decision comes as part of the 2022 law, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, which prohibits the use of this term to refer to geographical locations. A law proposed by Rep. James C. Ramos, a San Bernardino Democrat who became California’s first Native American lawmaker in 2018.

The term, which means « young woman » in Massachusetts, an ancient language spoken by Native American tribes, has been distorted by settlers and their descendants over time. Pejorative uses of the word have been found in writings from the 19th century.^e century, as in the journal of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. « Squaw » also used to designate « red-skinned women » would therefore have become, in light of these ancient uses, an insult today and would express racism towards native peoples. The term would also have a sexual connotation, designating Native Americans as « sexual objects ». The word is considered a « offensive ethnic, racial and sexist slur, particularly against indigenous women », adds Deb Haaland, secretary of the US Department of the Interior.

“For a more inclusive future”

“The names we give to places in California reflect our shared history and culture. These place names should never insult communities or perpetuate discrimination. The decision to remove the term from many places in our state helps right a historic wrong done to California’s Native American communities and represents an important step toward a more inclusive and positive future,” insists Wade Crowfoot, secretary of the California natural resources agency, in comments relayed by the National Public Radio. Places that bear this name must therefore be renamed before January 1, 2025, recalls the natural resources agency.

Other places have already been renamed in the state. This is the case for two streets in Sacramento, the capital of California. These now bear the name of « To you »which means « streams that flow together ». The term was suggested by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a Native American tribe, and gives a nice nod to the rivers that come together in West Sacramento. « Through continued consultation, tribes can take the lead in eliminating such words from public places in California »said Anthony Roberts, president of Yocha Dehe Wintun.

In 2021, the Squaw Valley Ski Resort, a popular winter sports resort in the town of the same name, Squaw Valley, now Olympic Valley, was renamed. Now, we ski on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe.