California is addressing its colonial legacy by renaming 'Squaw Valley Way' to 'River Valley Way' in Sacramento County, following recognition of the term as an offensive slur. This change was supported by local Native American tribes and passed unanimously by county officials. Additionally, California is set to rename 30 locations with historically offensive names by January 2025, as part of a broader effort to eliminate derogatory terms tied to the oppression of Native Americans, emphasizing the importance of respectful recognition of Indigenous communities.
"It's a constant reminder of those time periods when it was not good for us," said Darrel Cruz, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California historic preservation officer.
The term, which was declared an offensive ethnic, racial and sexist slur, was commonly used by white settlers when Native women were oppressed and enslaved.
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