In partnership with California Native American tribes and public agencies, the California Natural Resources Agency, California Advisory Committee of Geographic Names, Governor's Office for Tribal Affairs, and Assemblymember Ramos lead historic action to remove offensive place names
November 15, 2024 - Sacramento, CA - In a monumental step towards addressing historic injustices and honoring California’s Native American communities, the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) has officially approved the renaming of over 30 locations in 15 counties that previously contained the derogatory term "squaw" (hereafter referred to as the "sq_" term). The Assembly Bill-2022 renaming effort, led by Assemblymember James Ramos, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and implemented by the California Natural Resources Agency, marks a significant milestone for Native American women.
The term 'sq_' is recognized as a racial, ethnic, and gender-based slur, particularly aimed at Native American women. Its removal is a crucial step in recognizing the ongoing trauma and oppression that Native communities have faced.
This action, praised by tribal, local, and state leaders, is seen as a significant step toward a more inclusive California:
"The 'sq_' is a word that denigrates Native American women and dehumanizes them. I believe that dehumanization has contributed to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous People crisis that affects all of our people but that strikes women and girls in disproportionate numbers. AB 2022 received broad support around the state from tribes, tribal advocates, civil rights organizations, teachers and many more. Not one of my colleagues in the legislature voted against the bill because so many recognize this word is not a placename that belongs in California. I thank the governor for his signature, all who assisted in passage of AB 2022. CNRA Secretary Crowfoot and his advisory committee also deserve thanks and appreciation for their thoughtful and deliberate process in implementing the measure."
– Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino); Author of Assembly Bill-2022
"These changes, proposed by local communities in strong partnership with California Native people, allow all Californians to move forward from a past that denigrated Native women and into present that embraces the beauty, diversity and potential that are a hallmark of this state."
– Christina Snider-Ashtari, Tribal Affairs Secretary, Governor’s Office
"The names we give to places in California reflect our shared history and culture. These place names should never insult communities or perpetuate discrimination. Today’s action to remove this harmful term from several locations across our state helps right a historic wrong against California Native American communities and represents an important step toward a more inclusive and positive future."
– Wade Crowfoot, Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency
"The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has led the effort to change demeaning mascot imagery of native people, and we support replacing derogatory names locally and across state lands. With continued consultation, tribes can lead initiatives to eliminate such words from California’s public places."
– Anthony Roberts, Tribal Chairman, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
"The City of West Sacramento was honored to collaborate with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and local residents to develop two new street names to replace the offensive 'sq_' term as required by AB 2022. We’re grateful for the beautiful name, 'Tebti,' recommended by the Tribal Council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and we look forward to officially re-naming these streets in early 2025."
– City of West Sacramento
The geographic features and place names will be replaced in 15 counties by January 1, 2025, and the new names have been selected in consultation with California Native American tribes. The Bill requires replacement names to prioritize honoring tribal cultures and Indigenous languages, ensuring that these places reflect the state's rich cultural history moving forward.
CACGN will be working closely with public agencies and tribal representatives to implement approved replacement names by January 1, 2025. For more information on the name changes and their impacts, please visit https://cacgn.ca.gov/.
Source: CACGN
