Government officials in California announced that the term “squaw” widely recognized as a derogatory term that disrespects Native American women, will be eliminated from the names of numerous locations throughout the US state.
It is believed that the term “squaw” originated from the Algonquin word for “woman” used by Native Americans, but it has since been officially recognized as an offensive and derogatory term.
According to a press release from the California Natural Resources Agency, the term will be removed from over 30 geographic features and sites within the state, following the approval of new names by a committee assigned to review them.
“The removal of this term is an essential measure in acknowledging the persistent trauma and oppression experienced by Native communities,” the agency stated.
“This initiative, which has received commendation from tribal, local, and state leaders, is regarded as a significant advancement towards a more inclusive California.”
The document also states: “The term ‘squaw’ is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial, and sexist slur, particularly for indigenous women.”
The new names will be selected by a committee with the aim to “honor and recognize” the indigenous tribes and languages that are native to the area, as outlined in the bill, in accordance with legislation initially endorsed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022.
The new designations are scheduled to be implemented by January 1, 2025, as part of a national initiative aimed at eliminating offensive terminology from geographic features.
Last year, the United States undertook the renaming of several military installations that were named after Confederate officers, a decision stemming from a prolonged initiative by Congress following the Black Lives Matter protests.
Although recently, while campaigning for the presidency, President-elect Donald Trump pledged to revert the name of Fort Liberty to its original designation, Fort Bragg.
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