In a powerful show of unity, Alaska’s state legislators have taken a stand to protect one of the state’s most iconic landmarks — not just for its towering height, but for the deep cultural meaning behind its name: Denali.
This move pushes back against a recent executive order by former President Donald Trump, who proposed changing the mountain’s name back to Mount McKinley, reviving a long-standing debate about history, heritage, and identity.
The Story Behind the Name
Denali, the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet, has carried its Indigenous name for centuries. In the language of the Koyukon Athabaskan people, Denali means “The High One.” That name reflects not only its breathtaking stature, but also its spiritual and cultural importance to Alaska Native communities.
Despite that, in 1896, a prospector renamed it Mount McKinley to support then-presidential candidate William McKinley — a man with no real ties to Alaska.
For decades, Alaskans pushed for the name to be changed back. That happened officially in 2015, when the federal government recognized the original name, Denali, aligning with what Alaskans had already called it for generations.
A Political Flashpoint
Earlier this year, Trump issued an order to reverse the name back to Mount McKinley, reigniting controversy. For many Alaskans — and particularly for Native communities — the proposed change was seen as a step backward, undermining their cultural identity and the progress made in recent years.
In response, the Alaska House passed a formal resolution urging the federal government to keep the name Denali. The resolution wasn’t just symbolic. It served as a strong message that the people of Alaska will not quietly accept the erasure of their heritage.
The vote was overwhelming, showing bipartisan support for keeping Denali’s rightful name. Lawmakers across the aisle emphasized that this wasn’t about politics — it was about respect.
Why Denali Matters So Much
To people outside of Alaska, this may just seem like a name. But within the state, Denali holds deep meaning.
It’s more than a mountain — it’s a symbol of pride, strength, and cultural history. It’s tied to the stories, traditions, and identity of Indigenous communities who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
For many Alaskans, calling it Mount McKinley erases that history. It replaces a meaningful Indigenous name with the legacy of a president who never even set foot in the state.
Identity Over Politics
Even as some lawmakers pushed to soften the resolution or thank Trump for other decisions related to Alaska, those efforts were rejected. The final message was clear and focused: Denali is not up for debate.
This wasn’t just about preserving a name. It was about standing up for Alaska’s autonomy and ensuring that cultural significance isn’t sidelined by national politics.
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Q1: Why did Alaska vote to keep the name Denali?
Alaska lawmakers believe Denali honors Indigenous heritage and represents the cultural and historical identity of the state.
Q2: What does the name Denali mean?
Denali means “The High One” in the Koyukon Athabaskan language and reflects the spiritual and cultural significance of the mountain.
Q3: Why was Denali ever called Mount McKinley?
A prospector named it Mount McKinley in 1896 to support then-candidate William McKinley, despite McKinley having no connection to Alaska.
Q4: Can Trump legally change the name of Denali?
Renaming federal landmarks involves the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and the Department of the Interior. A president can propose changes, but final authority is shared.
Q5: How do Alaskans feel about the name Denali?
Most Alaskans, including Indigenous communities and state lawmakers, strongly support keeping the name Denali as a symbol of cultural respect and identity.
Looking Ahead
While it’s unclear what the final outcome will be at the federal level, one thing is certain — Alaskans are united in their support of Denali’s name. Whether you’re looking at it from a cultural, historical, or simply human perspective, the push to preserve the name Denali is about honoring where we’ve come from and who we are.
In the end, this isn’t just a local issue. It’s part of a larger conversation about recognizing and respecting Indigenous voices, and ensuring that decisions made in Washington reflect the values of the people actually living in the places those decisions affect.
