The following is a letter concerning the name *Squaw* which is affixed to many geographic features in the west..Names DO Hurt (note..Ish)
Tim J. Norton, Chair
Arizona State Board on Geographic & Historic Names
Department of Library, Archives & Public Records
State Capitol
1700 W. Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Copies to:Arizona State
Board of Names
cc: Arizona AIM
Dear Sir,
I am an old man who lives in Washington State. I am originally from Owens Valley and am a member of that Pauite band. I grew up with the "S" word. It had a bad effect. I heard white men refer to my mother that way and I was ashamed of her. I didn't quite understand, but I knew that she was less than somehow or they would have never made that comment. My mother used to actually apply bleach to her face so she would look whiter and gain more acceptance. I grew up learning to be Indian was to be "bad," "dirty." I was ashamed. I think it ironic that so many are trying to be or claiming to be Indian now, when for so many years we who were raised Indian wanted to be anything other than who we were.
I grew up not to respect our women. When it became time, I took on alcohol to make me feel better and stronger. It became my time to abuse our women. Using the "S" word was just one way I did that.
I am deeply ashamed of my past behaviors.
It would be untrue to put all the responsibility for our broken-ness as a people on that word or even on the way we have been treated by white people. Some people speak this way and I find it offensive. But I know that this word stings the young in ways that are hard for a non-Indian to understand. Please take my word for that.
I want to thank you for considering eliminating this word. I appreciate your sensitivity. Perhaps a young man born into our world will make a better husband, father and community man due to such seemingly small gestures. Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Joe Morgen
Nisqually/Pauite
