Key Takeaways:
– Over 30 geographic features on California lands to rename due to the use of a derogatory term.
– Governor Gavin Newsom initiated the action with Assembly Bill 2022.
– The California Natural Resources Agency, local governments, and Native tribes collaborate on new names.
– A similar move already undertaken by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
– The renaming process is expected to begin in 2025.
– Assemblymember James Ramos further denounces the term’s impact on Native American women.
California Axes Controversial Term from State Locations
The state of California has announced the removal of the derogatory term “squaw” from more than thirty geographic features and place names. This move aims to reconcile historical wrongs, predominantly inflicted on Indigenous women over centuries.
The Bill That Paved The Way
Governor Gavin Newsom led the path forward with Assembly Bill 2022, which he signed into law in 2022. This legislation banned the use of the offensive term in any future location names. Furthermore, it instructed the state’s Natural Resources Agency to begin renaming all places currently using the term. The renaming process covers a range of locations from streets and bridges to cemeteries and forest fire fuel breaks.
In line with the Bill’s stipulations, the California law starts the renaming process in 2025. This initiative closely follows the U.S. Department of the Interior’s order to rename any geographic features on federal lands that use the offensive term, a directive echoed in various parts of California.
Collaborative Approach to New Names
The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, in partnership with the Natural Resources Agency, thoroughly scanned California maps to identify the use of the offensive term under state jurisdictions. The Agency then involved local governments and Native tribes in the process of selecting new names.
In West Sacramento, for instance, local public agencies collaborated closely with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to rename two streets. The chosen new name, “Tebti,” means “the streams that flow together,” a tribute to the Sacramento and American rivers that join in West Sacramento.
A Positive Step Forward
Geneva Thompson, Deputy Secretary for Tribal Affairs at the Natural Resource Agency, applauded the renaming. Thompson, the first person ever to hold the title and a Cherokee Nation member, considers this a significant step toward healing the harm carried out against Indigenous peoples. She further elaborated on the importance of recognizing and taking steps against historical wrongs whilst fostering stronger communities that honor and celebrate existing differences.
In a statement, Anthony Roberts, the tribal chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, also supported these renaming efforts. Roberts highlighted the importance of continuous consultation and tribal-led initiatives in eliminating such derogatory language from California’s public places.
The Now-Offensive Term’s Origin and Impact
Some scholars suggest the derogatory term originally stemmed from the Algonquin language, where it initially meant “woman.” However, European colonists later corrupted it, and it became a racial stereotype. Thompson highlighted how history evidenced the use of this term to other and justify acts of violence against Native women.
Historic Support and Impact
Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland) had introduced Bill AB 2022. As the state’s first Native American lawmaker in 2018, Ramos emphatically condemns the term. He believes its usage dehumanizes Native American women, further contributing to the crisis of Murders and Missing Indigenous People. Ramos also highlighted the unanimous support of the legislature underscored the recognition that this term does not belong in California.
In conclusion, the California state is taking substantial action toward redressing historical wrongs against Indigenous individuals, particularly women. The upcoming renaming of over 30 locations marks the beginning of a new, inclusive era for the Golden State.