President-elect Donald Trump has reignited a long-standing debate by suggesting he wants to change the name of Alaska’s Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, back to Mount McKinley. Former President Barack Obama changed the name to Denali in 2015 to honor Alaska Natives and the preference of many residents. The word “Denali” means “the high one” in Athabascan.
In 1896, a prospector named the peak Mount McKinley after President William McKinley, even though McKinley had never visited Alaska. The U.S. government formally recognized this name until Obama’s change in 2015. Trump previously considered reverting to Mount McKinley in 2016 but faced opposition from Alaska’s senators. He voiced this idea again during a recent rally in Phoenix, drawing criticism from Alaskans.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, who supported changing the name to Denali, reiterated her stance that the mountain deserves its Athabascan name. The debate has been ongoing since the 1970s, with Alaska requesting the change in 1975. The mountain has cultural significance to various Athabascan tribes who have lived in its shadow for centuries.
The 20,310-foot mountain is known for its glaciers and snowy peak, attracting adventurous climbers despite its challenging conditions. The dispute over its name reflects a broader cultural conflict between recognizing Native traditions and honoring historical figures like McKinley. Ohio, McKinley’s home state, has supported keeping the mountain’s current name.
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