What if I told you there was one common word sexual predators of Native American women used?  What if I told you some individuals vehemently defend the term as a word of honor and respect?  What if I told you an entire community was named after this word?

That word is "squaw”. 

Although the word “squaw” is defined as a North American Indian woman or wife, it is clear that the term is now offensive due to its pejorative usage over time, despite the lack of awareness by Non-Native Americans.

The historical roots of the term “squaw” suggests it emphasizes sexual desires when the term was used; to mean female genitalia; and to denote a Native American woman who provides sexual satisfaction.

The term “squaw” in American literature shows that it describes a Native American woman who is a failed “princess”.  While an “Indian Princess” was thought to be natural, wholesome, virtuous, honorable, and connote virginity; the “squaw” was considered to be ugly, debased, immoral, and a sexual convenience that lived a squalid life of servile toil and openly available to Non-Native men.  

The word “squaw” epitomizes the racism and sexism Native American women face.

I am an enrolled member of the Dunlap Band of Mono Indian Tribe and self identify as also Choinumni, both tribally indigenous to the valley.  Not only do the indigenous tribes to the valley remain Non-Federally recognized, its unconscionable that all of our mothers and daughters continue to be subjected to such blatant disrespect. Its 2022, not one more day! 

Names are powerful, helping to form our identity; they are a significant contributor to one's self esteem.  

Sign and stand with us, amplifying our call to respect our community, all impacted grandmothers, mothers, daughters, future Native American female generations, and Mother Earth, to end the use of a pejorative, specific for Native American women, for geographic naming.  

WEBSITE:  https://www.renamesquawvalley.com

LINK TO PROPOSED RESOLUTION        https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jPYoIjnmCZVcWkMt8m9HC6EY6vJcyp6NgSNJKo3tHLk/edit?usp=drivesdk

Contact: (559) 581-2893 / renamesquawvalley@gmail.com                  https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Organization/Rename-Squaw-Valley-Fresno-County-110785474082424/ 

LOCATION:  "Squaw Valley" is a census-designated place located in Fresno County, California, United States of America (zip codes 93646 & 93675)