Some of my favorite spots on Lake Shasta are found along the Sulanharas Creek Arm. The many shallow coves make for excellent fishing for spotted and smallmouth bass. This arm is especially quiet in the spring before the lake fills with the noise of jet skis. You can park your houseboat in a cove and not see another soul other than the occasional angler in a bass boat.

I learned earlier this year that the creek had been renamed. It was previously known as Squaw Creek, which is now recognized as an offensive name. In 2022 the Department of the Interior, under Secretary Deb Haaland, established the Derogatory Geographic Names Task Force to remove names like this from federal lands. Nearly 650 place names across the country were renamed, including this creek arm. The renaming process concluded on September 8, 2022.

The task force consulted with local communities and Indigenous tribes to choose culturally appropriate names. In this case, the Wintu Tribe of Northern California recommended the new name. “Sulanharas” is rooted in the Wintu language and honors the tribe’s deep and historical connection to the land.

I find the new name not only beautiful but meaningful. It gives the place a richer and deeper connection to the past. It feels right that the creek now bears a name that honors the Wintu people and reflects their enduring connection to the land.

3