We’ve already touched on Squaw Valley’s review of the English rooted word that is considered a racial and sexual slur against Native American women in its name and will continue to do so as developments emerge. As of Friday, per resort officials the Lake Tahoe mainstay ski area is thinking about changing its name:
“As you likely know, the term is used by several area businesses as well as state and federal agencies for locations in the Olympic Valley region and these groups should be involved in the discussion.” –Resort statement
This comes as there are growing efforts nationwide to remove symbols of Indigenous oppression from public spaces. KCRA reports on Monday, Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento removed a statue of John Sutter, who enslaved Native Americans when he came to California in the 19th century.
On Tuesday, California lawmakers announced the statue of Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus in the California State Capitol Rotunda will be removed. Colombus’ arrival in the Western Hemisphere had an absolutely lethal impact on Indigenous populations.
Squaw said Friday it will invite regional Native American leaders and scholars to provide appropriate guidance about the renaming process.
“This ‘summit’ of stakeholders was done many years ago but it is clearly time to revisit the topic.”
