A canyon name was changed from “Squaw” to “”Hukaht” meaning “deer” in Serrano.

In 2022, the derogatory term “squaw” that had been used for numerous geographic locations across the U.S. was scrubbed from federal use. The label was removed from 80 geographic features in California, ending its long history of offensive use in an official context. It has been used throughout history as a deeply derogatory ethnic and sexist slur, particularly against Indigenous and Native women.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve a cabinet secretary, carried out the removal of the term. She directed the Board on Geographic Names to terminate using the term and implement name changes proposed by a task force.

Ultimately, nearly 650 geographic sites, including the 80 in California, were renamed.

Thus, one of the names in the San Gabriels became eligible for change. A canyon in the backcountry was renamed from Squaw Canyon to Hukaht Canyon. “Hukaht” means “deer” in Serrano, the language of the Serrano people, who are one of the Indigenous inhabitants of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Mount Waterman Topo 2018

Hukaht Canyon emanates below Winston Ridge, where its creek merges with Cloudburst Canyon. Together, they converge into South Fork Little Rock Creek, which winds its way toward the desert.

View down Squaw Canyon from Cooper Canyon, 1929. Credit: UC Berkeley

Squaw Canyon — “as the story goes” — is where Indigenous women and children camped while their men hunted at Buckhorn (John W. Robinson, The San Gabriels, 1991)

Rock Creek Topo Map 1940

Nearby, Squaw Camp was built in 1918 by Otto Roberts. It was used in conjunction with Roberts’ Camp in Big Santa Anita Canyon. Otto Roberts led hunting trips into the backcountry before the San Gabriels were proclaimed a game preserve.

Roberts’ hunting cabin at Squaw Camp. This used to be located close to where Camp Valcrest is today.

Back at Roberts’ camp in Big Santa Anita. Pictured here are the skins of recently killed animals hanging out to dry.