California is taking significant steps to address historical injustices against Native American communities by removing derogatory terms from its geographic names. The latest announcement from the California Natural Resources Agency confirmed the removal of the term "squaw" from over thirty locations across fifteen counties. This decision, announced on Friday, is part of the state's commitment to righting past wrongs and fostering inclusivity. Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation back in 2022, which banned the use of the term and mandated renaming streets, bridges, public buildings, and other locations where the slur appeared.
This action reflects wider cultural changes across the state as well as recognition of the historical significance of language, particularly words used to describe marginalized groups. Assemblymember James Ramos, California's first Native American state legislator and author of the bill, emphasized the term's derogatory nature, stating it "denigrates Native American women and dehumanizes them." The renaming process is expected to be completed by January 1, 2025.
Input for the new names has been sought from the state's Native American tribes, highlighting collaborative efforts to honor, rather than erase, Indigenous heritage. For example, the city of West Sacramento worked with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to identify two new street names, which take inspiration from local Indigenous culture. One proposed name, "tebti," translates to "the streams which flow together," creating both poetic imagery and connecting the name to the area's geography.
The term "squaw" is not just problematic because of its offensive connotations; its origins are deeply rooted in colonial exploitation and misrepresentation. Initially, it evolved from the Algonquin word for "woman." Over the centuries, it morphed, having been misused by colonists to dehumanize and objectify Indigenous women. Recognizing this history is not only important but necessary as California moves forward to create more respectful representations of its cultural and historical landscapes.
The decision to remove the term also aligns with initiatives conducted at the federal level. The U.S. Department of the Interior had already begun the process of review and elimination of similarly derogatory names from federal lands. Under Secretary Deb Haaland, the federal government has been proactive about this issue, having identified over 660 locations nationwide needing name changes, most of them being geographic features highlighted for oppression against Indigenous populations.
These larger conversations about name changes have already seen significant shifts across the state. Notably, the transformation of the ski resort formerly known as Squaw Valley to Palisades Tahoe was one of the first high-profile name changes to address the colonial past and show commitment to Indigenous representation. This change was not undertaken lightly; it involved considerable community input and awareness-raising efforts about the need for such adjustments.
The push for removing offensive names is part of broader efforts to confront systemic racism engrained deeply within cultural institutions. According to Wade Crowfoot, the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, "the names we give to places reflect our shared history and culture. These place names should never insult communities or perpetuate discrimination."
From changing street signs to renaming parks and other public places, California’s steps are seen as significant toward recognizing and supporting Native American communities. Critics of derogatory terms have called for sustained dialogue and making meaningful changes beyond surface-level adjustments. It’s clear this initiative opens the doors for other localities to engage similarly.
Anthony Roberts, the tribal chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, expressed optimism about continued consultation, stating, "With continued consultation, tribes can lead initiatives to eliminate such words from California's public places."
What remains to be seen is how local governments will respond to the mandate and how swiftly they will implement proposed name changes. A comprehensive list of newly approved names is expected to be released soon, providing more clarity on California’s path to building inclusivity and sensitivity through its public and geographic identity.
While the updates will uplift many voices seeking recognition and healing, they also serve as reminders of the importance of language and its weight. The impacts of names can carry significant emotional and cultural weight, having the power to both unite and divide communities. The transition from historically derogatory names to ones with positive and respectful connotations marks not only the physical changes on the map but also symbolizes a broader societal commitment to respect and honor Indigenous cultures and histories.
