In the United States, over 650 geographical features are utilizing the term “Squaw” in their names. The term has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial and sexual slur against Native American women and has been deemed derogatory as of Nov. 19, 2021. The Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, signed the 3404 Secretary Order which began the process of renaming landmarks nationwide, including Parker County’s “Squaw” Creek located in Willow Park. 

The ‘Tribal Consultations on the Derogatory Geographic Names’ Task Force has invited everyone to submit their ideas before or on April 25 so that they can proceed with the renaming process. The next step in the process is recommending these names to the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to review and render their decision. As of March 24, the task force has approved two candidate names out of five potentials– Mary Springs and Lake Weatherford. 

“Racist terms have no place in our vernacular or on our Federal lands. Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage – not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression.” 

Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland