Alaska’s legislature stands firm on Denali name, urging Trump to reconsider Mount McKinley change.
But Trump knows what he wants…
At a Glance
- Alaska Legislature passes resolution to keep Denali name
- Trump signed Executive Order to revert to Mount McKinley
- Denali holds significant cultural value for Alaska Natives
- Bipartisan support in legislature for retaining Denali name
- Debate highlights importance of indigenous heritage in geographic naming
Alaska Legislature Defends Denali
The Alaska Legislature has passed a resolution urging President Trump to retain the name Denali for North America’s tallest peak. This move comes in response to Trump’s Executive Order, signed on his first day in office, to revert the mountain’s name to Mount McKinley. The state Senate voted unanimously 19-0, while the House passed the measure with a strong majority of 31-8, demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support for keeping the name Denali.
The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Maxine Dibert, a Democrat and Koyukon Athabascan, underscores the deep cultural significance of the name Denali. Dibert’s tribe originally named the mountain, and their connection to it spans millennia. The legislature’s action reflects a broader commitment to honoring Alaska’s indigenous heritage and maintaining the authenticity of its geographic nomenclature.
Denali, meaning “the tall one” in the Koyukon Athabascan language, has been the mountain’s name for generations of Alaska Natives. The push to retain this name goes beyond mere semantics; it represents a crucial aspect of Alaska’s cultural identity and history. The mountain was officially renamed Denali in 2015 by the Obama administration, reflecting the long-standing preference of many Alaskans and Alaska Natives.
“Denali is more than a mountain,” Rep. Maxine Dibert of Fairbanks said in a news release. “It’s a cornerstone of Alaska’s history, a tribute to our diverse culture and a testament to the people who have cherished this land for millennia.”
This sentiment echoes throughout Alaska, where the name Denali has been used on state maps since 1975, long before the federal government’s official recognition. The legislature’s resolution emphasizes that the decision about the mountain’s name should rest with Alaskans, who have a deep understanding of its cultural importance.
Political Implications and Public Opinion
President Trump’s decision to rename the peak after President William McKinley has sparked controversy and opposition in Alaska. A poll showed that Alaskans oppose the change by a two-to-one margin, highlighting the disconnect between federal actions and local preferences.
The President justified the name change by citing McKinley’s economic contributions, stating his intention to “restore the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs. President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent.”
But Alaskan officials don’t think that matters.
“Denali is the name of our mountain; a name of great importance to Alaska Natives and everyone across our state,” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, an independent from Dillingham, said in the news release. “It is clear from the bipartisan support in the legislature that Alaskans should decide.”
The debate over the mountain’s name has brought to light essential discussions on the significance of adhering to native names in reflecting authentic historical and cultural contexts.
As the resolution passes with strong support in both chambers of the Alaska Legislature, it will be sent to President Trump and relevant federal bodies. The Interior Department has announced efforts to implement Trump’s renaming order, but state leaders do not consider the matter settled.
This battle might go on for a while.
