Executive Order 3404 from Secretary of the Interior Haaland officially declares the “Sq” word to be derogatory and mandates the word be removed from all federal usage.
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON ORDER NO. 3404
Subject: Declaring “Squaw” a Derogatory Term and Implementing Procedures to Remove the Term from Federal Usage
Our country has gone through similar experiences acknowledging and changing use of offensive words. In the early 1960s, Secretary of the Interior Udall ordered the “N” word be removed from all federal places on maps, and then later ordered all use of the “J” word to be removed.
Just for a minute, imagine an offensive word, something that offends you to the core, something that makes you cringe. If the “Sq” word is not offensive to you, just go back to imagining something that is offensive, and you will know the offense in the word.
The word is racist and misogynistic. Researching it, a few different etymologies can be found. From what I piece together, it is an original Native American term from the Algonquin language. The colonists took on the word, but connected inferiority, a lack of respect, and other derogatory ideas to it. The use of the word got normalized into use. We see it all over the United States. The Board on Geographic Names identified 660 federal place names with this word. That doesn’t count the town, county, and state place names.
Archuleta County has the word in at least 3 place names… “Sq” Valley Ranch being the most visible as you drive south on State Highway 84. It is hurtful and disrespectful to keep it up… such a sad representation of how we treat each other, allowing for such offense to be casually accepted in our everyday lives.
By removing offensive place names, we are creating a more inclusive and respectful community.
Some people already know about the need to replace all names with “Sq” in it. They feel the insult and oppression every time they see it or hear it. Some people are just learning this, and upon realization, want to correct the mistake ASAP. Some people have emotional ties to their address, or places they love, and may have resistance to change. Some people don’t want to change, and don’t agree with the ideology behind the change. Where are you? What is your reasoning?
I think we need to change our offensive place names. It’s about making Archuleta County a place that is safe and welcoming, where all people feel cared for and protected based on their inherent dignity and worth.
Anna Ramirez
Pagosa Springs, CO
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