This story highlights a significant cultural and political debate surrounding the name of Denali, Alaska’s tallest mountain, and the Alaska Legislature’s attempt to push back against President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename it to Mount McKinley. House Joint Resolutions 3 and 4, introduced by Fairbanks Democratic Reps.
Ashley Carrick and Maxine Dibert, express strong opposition to the name change, emphasizing Denali’s cultural importance to Alaska Native communities and its longstanding recognition as the mountain’s rightful name. The resolutions also note that the name Mount McKinley is linked to President William McKinley, who never visited the state.
The pushback from Alaska’s lawmakers represents broader state sentiment, with some figures like Senator Lisa Murkowski openly opposing the change. Others, like Senator Dan Sullivan, are more measured but still emphasize Denali’s historical significance. The contrasting viewpoint from Representative Nick Begich, who downplays the issue, shows the division within Alaska’s political landscape on this matter.
While resolutions like these don’t carry the force of law, they can serve as tools for influencing federal policy, particularly with Alaska’s Congressional delegation. This debate also underscores the tension between local cultural pride, the historical significance of names, and the actions of national political figures.