Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Moves To Remove "Squaw" From Locations On Federal Lands

Creek & Island In Wrangell-St. Elias Park Have Been Renamed 

Recognizing the word "squaw" as a racist and sexist slur against Native women, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has moved to remove the name from hundreds of locations throughout America. 

 

The term was used by white settlers when referring to Native Americans. It joins a legion of insults against minorities that have plagued America for centuries, some more insulting than others. 

 

Americans have a long history of insulting each other. In addition to well-known insults against Black people,  Asians have been known as "Chinks" and "Japs,"  Hispanics as "Spics," Germans as "Krauts," Irish as "Micks," Italians as "Dagos" and "Wops," French as "Frogs," Poles as "Pollocks," and Jews as "Kikes." "Squaw" is one of several insults to Natives that has entered the American lexicon.

The word "squaw" is used as a place name throughout much of America, and includes mountains, rivers, lakes and other geographic areas. Many of these spots are scenic. Squaw Valley ski resort in Lake Tahoe renamed itself "Palisades Tahoe" in the fall of 2021. The resort explained its decision. "'Squaw' is a hurtful term, and we're not hurtful people," said its president and CEO.

“Words matter, particularly in our work to make our nation’s public lands and waters accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” Deb Haaland said recently.  “Consideration of these replacements is a big step forward in our efforts to remove derogatory terms whose expiration dates are long overdue.”

 

Tribal entities are being asked to help change the names. Throughout the U.S, 660 U.S. place names include the word "squaw." 

 

 LOCATIONS IN IMMEDIATE COPPER VALLEY WITH "SQUAW" IN THEIR NAMES 

(Department of Interior) 

 

(Google Maps)

Twenty-Five Renamed Alaskan Locations 

In response to the Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3404 this is the list of U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved official Sq_ replacement names