California to eliminate 'offensive' place names
Local officials have announced that the term “squaw” will be removed from numerous place names in California because of its racist connotations. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
California Governor Gavin Newsom previously mandated the removal of the term "squaw" from place names in a bill passed in 2022.
Officials announced on Friday that “squaw” will be eliminated from the names of over 30 geographic features and locations within the state, as it is widely recognized as a derogatory slur against Native American women. This decision follows the approval of new names by a committee established to review these designations, according to a press release from the California Natural Resources Agency.
“Its removal is a crucial step in recognizing the ongoing trauma and oppression that Native communities have faced,” the agency stated. “This action, praised by tribal, local, and state leaders, is seen as a significant step toward a more inclusive California.”
The updated names are expected to be implemented by January 1, 2025, in accordance with the bill that Governor Newsom originally approved in 2022.
“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 document details. The new names will be selected by the committee to “honor and recognize” the indigenous tribes and languages native to the area, as specified in the bill.
Although believed to have originated from the Native American Algonquin word for “woman,” the term has been officially deemed offensive and derogatory.
The changes to place names are part of broader efforts across the country to eliminate derogatory terms from geographic features.
Last year, several military bases in the U.S. were renamed due to their associations with Confederate officers, a move that followed a prolonged Congressional initiative sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests. Recently, during his election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revert Fort Liberty back to its former name, Fort Bragg.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Officials announced on Friday that “squaw” will be eliminated from the names of over 30 geographic features and locations within the state, as it is widely recognized as a derogatory slur against Native American women. This decision follows the approval of new names by a committee established to review these designations, according to a press release from the California Natural Resources Agency.
“Its removal is a crucial step in recognizing the ongoing trauma and oppression that Native communities have faced,” the agency stated. “This action, praised by tribal, local, and state leaders, is seen as a significant step toward a more inclusive California.”
The updated names are expected to be implemented by January 1, 2025, in accordance with the bill that Governor Newsom originally approved in 2022.
“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 document details. The new names will be selected by the committee to “honor and recognize” the indigenous tribes and languages native to the area, as specified in the bill.
Although believed to have originated from the Native American Algonquin word for “woman,” the term has been officially deemed offensive and derogatory.
The changes to place names are part of broader efforts across the country to eliminate derogatory terms from geographic features.
Last year, several military bases in the U.S. were renamed due to their associations with Confederate officers, a move that followed a prolonged Congressional initiative sparked by the Black Lives Matter protests. Recently, during his election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revert Fort Liberty back to its former name, Fort Bragg.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
