- Details
- By Kaili Berg
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to change the name of Mount Denali in Alaska back to Mount McKinley, reigniting a longstanding debate about the cultural and historical significance of place names.
Trump’s remarks, seen as an appeal to specific political bases, have raised concerns among Alaska Native communities and other Indigenous groups who view such actions as a disregard for their cultural heritage.
Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Koyukon Athabaskan people, who have called it "Denali," meaning "The High One," for generations.
In 2015, the Obama administration restored the mountain’s original name, Denali, following decades of advocacy from Alaska Natives. The decision was celebrated across Indigenous communities as a recognition of Native heritage and a step toward addressing historical erasure.
The move was part of a broader effort to restore Indigenous names to significant landmarks, a practice viewed by many tribes as an essential element of cultural revitalization.
The name "Mount McKinley" was first applied in 1896 by a gold prospector who chose to honor then-presidential candidate William McKinley—a man with no ties to Alaska who never visited the region. For Alaska Natives, McKinley’s name is a lasting symbol of colonization and the marginalization of Native history.
For many, reverting to "Mount McKinley" represents a setback in the ongoing effort to acknowledge Indigenous peoples' deep ties to the land. Place names are more than labels; they carry stories, histories, and identities that shape a region’s cultural landscape. Changing Denali’s name back to one imposed during colonization undermines progress in decolonizing these narratives.
Across the U.S., Indigenous communities have increasingly advocated for restoring Native names to landmarks as a means of reclaiming history and fostering cultural awareness. For example, the Squamish Nation successfully renamed British Columbia’s Stawamus Chief to "Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Chief," and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have pushed to rename Devils Tower in Wyoming.
Trump’s proposal may resonate with certain constituencies but highlights a broader cultural divide in how America reckons with its history. For Indigenous communities, preserving the name Denali is about far more than a mountain—it is a fight for cultural recognition and the visibility of Native peoples in a society that has often sought to erase them.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Burgum Pledges Tribal Consultation, Pushes Energy Policy at Interior Hearing
North Carolina Lawmakers Introduce Latest Bill to Recognize Lumbee Tribe
In Farewell, Haaland Reflects on Historic Interior Tenure: 'No One Has Accomplished Anything Alone’
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
