Labels

Squaw Valley Has Confirmed Name Change


"Today is a difficult but exciting day in the long and storied history of Squaw Valley. I am pleased to announce our commitment to removing “squaw” from our resort name. The concerns about our name have been long discussed, but as we all find ourselves in a time of increased awareness and righteous demands for accountability, our leadership team has concluded we must move from discussion to action." - Excerpt From A Letter From Squaw Alpine COO Ron Cohen

Today, Tuesday, August 25th, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows announced that Squaw Valley will be removed from the name of the very popular California ski resort.

"After extensive research into the etymology and history of the term “squaw,” both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, outreach to Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community, company leadership has decided it is time to drop the derogatory and offensive term “squaw” from the destination’s name." - Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows Press Release

The mountain will begin working on a new name for the resort immediately, with a goal to deliver the new name in early 2021. However, implementing the name midseason will not be a possibility. The process to implement the name will begin after the ski season has ended in the summer of 2021.

The renaming project team will be headed by resort leadership who will oversee the selection of a new name.

More information about the decision to change the name of the resort, as well as the history surrounding the word "squaw" and the full letter from COO Ron Cohen can be found at the link below.

Squaw Valley Name Change

After extensive research into the etymology and history of the term "squaw," both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, outreach to Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community, company leadership has decided it is time to drop the derogatory and offensive term "squaw" from the destination's name.


Currently, there does not seem to be any word about how the resort's name change will affect other local businesses whose name includes the word "squaw".

Photo: Squaw Valley Tram, which will also be changed as part of the renaming. - Credit: Steve Jurvetson [CC BY 2.0]
Tags

Comments

Post a Comment

Please check out the Ski Rex Media sponsors and partners. I love these folks and I think you would, too.