President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement to restore North America’s tallest peak to its former name, Mount McKinley, has ignited fierce opposition in Alaska. His comments, delivered during a speech to Turning Point USA in Phoenix, aim to reverse a 2015 decision by the Obama administration that recognized the mountain’s Indigenous name, Denali, meaning “The High One” in Koyukon Athabascan.
A Legacy Revisited: Trump’s Push to Honor McKinley
Trump framed the name change as a matter of historical justice, praising the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley. “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people,” he remarked, adding, “That was not very gracious to somebody that did a good job.”
The move would overturn an executive order by Obama’s Interior Secretary, who formalized Denali as the peak’s official name. This decision was celebrated as a recognition of Alaska Native culture and a step toward restoring traditional Indigenous place names across the United States.
For Alaskans, however, Denali represents more than a name—it embodies heritage, culture, and connection to the land.
Strong Words From Alaska’s Leaders
Alaska’s political leaders wasted no time voicing their disapproval. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican who has long supported the Denali name, called Trump’s proposal unnecessary. “You can’t improve upon the name that Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans bestowed on North America’s tallest peak,” she stated. Murkowski emphasized her efforts to honor Alaska’s Indigenous history, noting, “This is an issue that should not be relitigated.”
State Senator Scott Kawasaki, a Democrat from Fairbanks, was blunt. Sharing a photo of the iconic mountain on social media, he captioned it with a resolute “Nope! It is Denali!” His post reflected the sentiment of many Alaskans, regardless of political affiliation.
Pollster Ivan Moore also weighed in, sharing an autumn snapshot of Denali with the caption, “This mountain will always be called Denali.” The image, like the name itself, resonated deeply with Alaskans who see Denali as a symbol of pride and identity.
Why Denali Matters to Alaska
For the Koyukon Athabascans, Denali is more than just a mountain; it is a sacred landmark. Its name, “The High One,” reflects the reverence with which it is regarded. The Obama administration’s decision in 2015 was a landmark moment for Indigenous communities, aligning federal recognition with local and cultural significance.
Beyond cultural heritage, Denali holds a prominent place in Alaska’s identity. Standing at 20,310 feet, it dominates the skyline, drawing tourists from around the world and symbolizing the rugged beauty of the state. For many Alaskans, the name Denali encapsulates the spirit of their homeland in a way that “Mount McKinley” never could.
Historical and Political Underpinnings
The name Mount McKinley was bestowed in 1896 by a prospector who sought to honor then-presidential candidate William McKinley, a staunch advocate of the gold standard. McKinley never visited Alaska, and the name’s imposition sidelined the region’s Indigenous history.
Efforts to restore Denali’s original name began decades ago, with Alaskans consistently pushing for federal recognition of the Indigenous title. The 2015 name change was seen as a culmination of these efforts, marking a significant shift in how the U.S. government acknowledges Native cultures.
Alaskans Unite in Resistance
Trump’s proposal has united Alaskans in a rare bipartisan front. While there are no immediate plans for political counteraction, the sentiment is clear: Denali’s name is non-negotiable.
The broader implications of Trump’s announcement have also drawn attention. Critics see it as part of a larger trend of rolling back Obama-era policies and downplaying Indigenous rights and recognition.
- Alaskans argue that Denali’s name change in 2015 was not just symbolic but a step toward reconciling the nation’s colonial past.
- Indigenous activists highlight the importance of preserving Native languages and histories as living testaments to the land’s original stewards.
For now, the mountain remains Denali on federal maps, but Trump’s remarks have reignited debates about whose history and narratives are prioritized in American culture.
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