SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska has introduced a bill to officially name North America's highest peak as Denali, honoring the name given by the Koyukon Athabascans of Alaska. The legislation aims to ensure that all references in U.S. laws and records recognize the mountain as Denali.

“In Alaska, it’s Denali,” said Senator Murkowski. “Once you see it in person, and take in the majesty of its size and breathe in its cold air, you can understand why the Koyukon Athabascans referred to it as ‘The Great One.’ This isn’t a political issue – Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name. That’s why today I once again introduced legislation that would officially keep this mountain’s quintessential name, ‘Denali.’”

The State of Alaska recognized "Denali" as the peak's name in 1975 and requested similar recognition from the U.S. Board of Geographic Names. In 1980, Congress renamed Mount McKinley National Park to Denali National Park and Preserve.

Senator Murkowski has persistently advocated for this change, having presented similar bills in previous sessions of Congress. In 2015, the Department of the Interior officially returned to using "Denali." However, an executive order signed by President Trump last month directed a reversion to "Mount McKinley."

In response, the Alaska State Senate recently passed a resolution urging federal authorities to maintain the name Denali. This resolution was initially proposed by State Representative Maxine Dibert and passed unanimously.

Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska is also supporting Murkowski's legislation as an original cosponsor.