California officials are working to remove racist terminology against Native American women in more than 30 locations in California, according to the state's Natural Resources Agency.
The removal of the term “squaw,” which was deemed “derogatory” by the Secretary of the Interior in 2021, is part of AB 2022, a bill signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022. The law calls for the term to be removed. Submit “names of all geographic features and places in the state'' by January 1, 2025.
“This term is recognized as a racially, ethnically, and gender-based slur that specifically targets Native American women. Removal of this term is a sign of the ongoing trauma and oppression faced by Native American communities. This is an important step in recognizing that .
in a statement on social mediaauthorities described the move as “a bold new step toward healing past injustices.”
Pro-American activists fight in a nationwide anti-Awakening war to protect Native American traditions.
A California ski resort whose name included a derogatory term for Native American women has changed its name to Palisades Tahoe. ((Photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images))
A complete list of California's new names is not currently available, but they were chosen in collaboration with California's Native American tribes and are expected to be announced soon, the Natural Resources Agency told The Associated Press in an email.
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Three California delegates from the Indian Rights Association meet with California Congressman Harry Shepard to present their case to Congress. The representatives are Julia Ross Gardner of Piute, Celestine Pico von Bulow of Pachanga, and Thomas Largo of Cahuila. (Getty Images)
Geneva Thompson, deputy commissioner for tribal affairs at the Natural Resources Agency, said this is a very important step for Native Americans.
“While it is critically important to acknowledge the historical wrongs committed against Native Americans, we also need to take the next steps toward healing,” Thompson said. “There are differences between people, but we can build communities that reflect, respect, and celebrate those differences rather than marginalizing or perpetuating historical wrongs.”
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The California Geographic Names Advisory Board announced that approved alternative names will be introduced by January 1st.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the California Department of Natural Resources for comment.
