Thoughts on Renaming Denali 🇺🇸
A Rationale for Considering Alternatives
Initial Thoughts
When I first heard the suggestion that Trump wants to rename Denali to Mt. McKinley, there was no obvious benefit that came immediately to mind. The intent seemed only to undo changing the name of Mt. McKinley to Denali during the Obama Administration. This action to rename the mountain feels more political than substantive, and would likely be more divisive than unifying.
The idea of renaming Denali back to Mt. McKinley is highly controversial, as it touches on cultural, historical, and political issues. Changing the name is not as simple as using the stroke of a pen. I strongly encourage the President to consider alternative suggestions to honor President William McKinley in his home state of Ohio.
I discussed these issues with Joshu, my AI research assistant. What follows are aels responses. My initial thoughts to pursue alternatives that honor McKinley and leave Denali to its indigenous name were confirmed by the conversations with Joshu.
Alternate Proposal
Prompt Joshu 🫱 Discuss the pros and cons of renaming Denali, and suggest alternatives. 🫲 rps
Joshu 🫱
Pros of Renaming Denali to Mt. McKinley
- Historical Recognition of McKinley: Advocates argue that naming the mountain after President McKinley honors his legacy as the 25th president of the United States, particularly his leadership during the Spanish-American War.
- Symbol of National Unity: Renaming the mountain could be seen by some as an effort to highlight shared American heritage and accomplishments through the lens of historical figures.
- Preservation of Tradition: The name “Mt. McKinley” was used for over a century (1917–2015), so some see it as a continuation of historical naming conventions.
Cons of Renaming Denali to Mt. McKinley
- Cultural Disrespect: The name “Denali,” meaning “The High One,” originates from the Koyukon Athabaskan people, who have called the mountain by this name for thousands of years. Changing it back would be seen as dismissive of Indigenous culture.
- Local and State Opposition: Alaska formally supported the name “Denali,” which better reflects the state’s Native heritage and identity. Any move to rename it may alienate Alaskans.
- Unnecessary Controversy: Renaming a landmark of such cultural and historical importance could ignite political tensions and be perceived as an attempt to erase progress made in recognizing Native American contributions.
- William McKinley’s Tangential Connection: President McKinley had no direct connection to Alaska, making his association with the mountain historically tenuous.
Alternative: Honoring McKinley in Ohio
Since President McKinley was from Niles, Ohio, and had strong ties to Canton, where his presidential library and tomb are located, it might make more sense to honor him within his home state. Here are some suggestions:
Rename a Major Landmark
Rename a significant building, park, or highway in Ohio in McKinley’s honor. For example:
The William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton could be enhanced or renamed to include “National Monument” in the title.
Consider renaming the Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80/90) or a portion of it as the “McKinley Turnpike.”
Honor McKinley Through Natural Features
Rename a prominent park or forest in Ohio after McKinley, such as creating a “McKinley State Park” or renaming part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (though this might also stir controversy).
Educational Recognition
Establish a national history education center or grant program in Ohio dedicated to McKinley’s memory, focusing on his presidency and the period’s historical context.
Enhance the McKinley Memorial in Canton
Expand the scope of the McKinley Memorial to make it a larger tourist destination or educational site, emphasizing his contributions to the nation.
Summary
Rather than engaging in the contentious debate over Denali’s name, which involves deep cultural and regional sensitivities, efforts to honor President McKinley should focus on his roots in Ohio. Renaming a prominent Ohio landmark, enhancing existing memorials, or creating new initiatives tied to his legacy would be more meaningful and less divisive. This approach ensures respect for Alaska’s heritage while celebrating McKinley’s contributions where they are most relevant.
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Historical Background
Some history will help put the debate over the name in perspective.
Prompt Joshu 🫱 Discuss how Mt. McKinley was renamed. 🫲 rps
Joshu 🫱
Mt. McKinley was renamed Denali through a process that involved decades of advocacy, state and federal actions, and recognition of Indigenous heritage. Here’s a breakdown of how it happened:
The Original Naming (Mt. McKinley)
1896: A gold prospector named William Dickey named the mountain “Mt. McKinley” in honor of then-presidential candidate William McKinley, who supported the gold standard. McKinley had no direct connection to Alaska.
1917: The U.S. government officially recognized the name “Mt. McKinley” when the Mount McKinley National Park Act was signed into law.
The Push to Restore the Name “Denali”
The name “Denali,” meaning “The High One” or “The Tall One,” originates from the Koyukon Athabaskan people and had been used for thousands of years.
For decades, Alaska Native groups and state officials advocated for restoring the name “Denali,” arguing it was the rightful and culturally significant name.
Conflict Between State and Federal Authorities
1975: The Alaska Board of Geographic Names officially changed the name to “Denali” within Alaska, but the federal name remained “Mt. McKinley” because the U.S. Board on Geographic Names did not act.
1975 Onward: The Ohio congressional delegation, representing McKinley’s home state, consistently blocked efforts to change the federal name.
The Final Decision (2015)
2014: Sally Jewell, then U.S. Secretary of the Interior, visited Alaska and heard firsthand from Native leaders and Alaskan officials about the significance of restoring the name “Denali.”
August 30, 2015: Using her authority under the Federal Land Management Policy Act, Jewell announced the decision to restore the mountain’s name to “Denali” on federal maps and documents.
The renaming occurred shortly before President Barack Obama’s visit to Alaska, which further highlighted Indigenous issues and climate change.
Reactions to the Name Change
Support: Many Alaskans, Native American groups, and others supported the change, celebrating it as a recognition of Indigenous heritage and cultural identity.
Opposition: Some individuals, particularly in Ohio, criticized the decision as diminishing President McKinley’s legacy. However, the federal government upheld the new name.
Current Status
Today, the name Denali is officially recognized by the U.S. government and appears on all federal maps and records. It symbolizes a shift toward acknowledging and honoring Indigenous names and histories, particularly for iconic landmarks.
Denali or Mt. Denali
Denali is the official name designated by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and reflects the original Athabaskan name, meaning “The High One.”
In casual or descriptive use, people may say “Mount Denali” because it is customary in English to add “Mount” before the names of mountains (e.g., Mount Everest, Mount Rainier). However, the term “Denali” alone is entirely correct and widely recognized.
So both “Denali” and “Mount Denali” are commonly used, but Denali is the formal name.
Mount McKinley National Park
The Mount McKinley National Park Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress on February 26, 1917, that officially established Mount McKinley National Park in Alaska. The act aimed to protect the unique wildlife and natural beauty of the region surrounding the mountain, which was then known as Mount McKinley.
Key Details of the Act
Purpose
The primary goal of the act was wildlife conservation. It aimed to preserve the area as a refuge for wild animals and birds, particularly protecting species like caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears, which were being overhunted.
It also sought to safeguard the scenic grandeur of the mountain and its surrounding wilderness.
Area Covered
The act set aside 2 million acres of land in Alaska for protection under the new national park, which made it one of the earliest large-scale conservation efforts in the United States.
Human Activity
While the park was created primarily for wildlife conservation, limited recreational activities were allowed, provided they did not interfere with conservation efforts.
Park Name
The park was named after President William McKinley, maintaining the same name given to the mountain in 1896 by a prospector. At the time, the name reflected the political and cultural norms of the lower 48 states, rather than Indigenous traditions.
Evolution of the Park
Denali National Park and Preserve (1980)
In 1980, with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), Mount McKinley National Park was greatly expanded and renamed Denali National Park and Preserve.
The act added over 4 million acres to the park, creating the vast wilderness area we know today.
Name Change of the Mountain (2015)
Although the park’s name was changed in 1980, the mountain retained the name “Mount McKinley” until 2015, when the U.S. Department of the Interior officially restored the name Denali to honor its Indigenous heritage.
Significance of the Act
The Mount McKinley National Park Act was a milestone in U.S. conservation history. It marked one of the earliest federal efforts to create a national park focused not just on scenic beauty but also on protecting wildlife. This law laid the foundation for the modern Denali National Park and Preserve, which today is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, unique biodiversity, and cultural importance.
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Considerations for Changing the Name
Prompt Joshu 🫱 What is involved in changing the name and estimate how much it might cost. 🫲 rps
Joshu 🫱
Changing the name of a major landmark like Denali (or any prominent feature) involves several administrative, logistical, and cultural considerations. The costs depend on the scale of the change and how widely the old name is used in official documents, signage, and public awareness.
Steps Involved in a Name Change
Administrative Process
Petition or Proposal: An official proposal must be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) or the relevant state board.
Consultation: Stakeholders, including local governments, tribal nations, and community groups, are consulted for input.
Federal Review: For national landmarks, federal authorities such as the Department of the Interior may need to approve the change.
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Legislation (if required): Congressional action may be necessary if the name is historically significant or tied to national laws.
Updating Records and Maps
Federal Agencies: Organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Park Service, and NOAA must update maps, publications, and databases.
State and Local Governments: Regional maps, road signs, and public documents must also be updated.
Physical Signage Replacement
Signs: Road signs, visitor information boards, and interpretive signs must be replaced, which includes material, labor, and installation costs.
Markers and Memorials: If plaques or monuments reference the old name, these may need to be altered or replaced.
Rebranding and Communication
Marketing Materials: Travel and tourism organizations need to update brochures, websites, and promotional materials.
Public Awareness Campaign: Informing the public about the change involves press releases, public service announcements, and educational efforts.
Cultural Considerations
Engaging Communities: Respecting the perspectives of Indigenous groups and other stakeholders can involve additional meetings and ceremonies.
Archival Documentation: The old name and its history are preserved for historical purposes.
Estimated Costs (Optimistic)
The costs vary widely depending on the scale of the changes, from localized updates to national rebranding. Here’s an estimate:
Administrative Costs
Filing, meetings, and consultations: $50,000–$100,000.
Updating Maps and Documents
Federal and state map updates (digital and print): $500,000–$1 million.
Signage Replacement
Road signs and visitor centers (depending on location and scale): $250,000–$1 million.
Marketing and Rebranding
Public awareness campaigns, brochures, and promotional materials: $100,000–$500,000.
Miscellaneous Costs
Cultural ceremonies and events to mark the change: $50,000–$200,000.
Estimated Total Cost: $1–$3 million
This estimate can rise significantly for larger or internationally recognized landmarks due to the scale of public awareness efforts and global map updates.
Considerations for Cost Effectiveness
Phased Updates: Changes can be implemented gradually to spread costs over time.
Digital Updates First: Focus on updating online resources before replacing physical signs and materials.
Community Involvement: Collaborating with local communities can help reduce some costs while fostering goodwill.
Changing a name like Denali back to Mt. McKinley would not only involve these logistical and financial challenges but also raise questions about the value of the investment, especially considering the cultural and historical sensitivities tied to the issue.
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Implications of Using an Executive Order
Prompt Joshu 🫱 What are the implications of the President changing the name through executive order? 🫲 rps
Joshu 🫱
If a U.S. president were to change the name of Denali back to Mt. McKinley via executive order, there would be significant implications — both legal and political. Here’s an analysis:
Legal Implications
Presidential Authority
A president has the authority to issue executive orders related to federal lands and agencies, including geographic names. This is how Interior Secretary Sally Jewell restored the name “Denali” in 2015, using powers granted under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA).
However, using an executive order to rename Denali back to McKinley could face legal challenges if it is perceived as an arbitrary or politically motivated action, especially if there’s insufficient public or stakeholder consultation.
U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN)
The BGN oversees the naming of geographic features in the U.S. and relies on public input and historical evidence. Overriding its process through executive order could raise questions about the circumvention of established administrative procedures.
Legal disputes could arise if stakeholders (e.g., Alaska Native groups, environmental organizations) argue that the executive order violates administrative law or ignores public interest.
State vs. Federal Authority
The state of Alaska officially recognizes the mountain as “Denali.” A federal executive order to rename it “Mt. McKinley” might create tensions between state and federal governments.
Legal challenges could emerge based on the state’s rights and its role in determining place names within its borders.
Political Implications
Public Backlash
Restoring the name “McKinley” would likely provoke widespread criticism from Indigenous groups, Alaskans, and supporters of the original name change. It could be viewed as a dismissal of cultural heritage and an affront to Indigenous identity.
The move could polarize public opinion, particularly along political and cultural lines, as it might be seen as prioritizing political symbolism over inclusivity and respect for Native history.
Impact on Relations with Alaska
Alaskans overwhelmingly support the name “Denali,” which reflects their state’s heritage. A unilateral executive action to rename it could damage the federal government’s relationship with Alaska and its Native communities.
Global Perception
Changing the name back could be perceived internationally as regressive, undermining efforts to recognize and respect Indigenous cultures. It might also signal inconsistency in U.S. policies regarding cultural preservation.
Precedent Setting
Using executive power to rename a geographic feature with deep cultural significance could set a precedent for future presidents to override geographic naming conventions for political reasons. This could destabilize the work of organizations like the BGN and lead to further politicization of place names.
Potential Challenges to an Executive Order
Litigation: Indigenous groups, advocacy organizations, and the state of Alaska could challenge the order in federal court.
Congressional Action: Lawmakers opposed to the change could introduce legislation to block or reverse the executive order.
Public Opposition: National campaigns against the order could delay or delegitimize its implementation.
Conclusion
While the president has the authority to rename Denali through an executive order, the legal, political, and cultural implications make this a highly contentious move. It would likely face legal challenges, strain relationships with Alaska and Indigenous communities, and deepen political divisions. Such a decision would be widely criticized as prioritizing political symbolism over respect for cultural and historical significance.
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Name Recommendation
Prompt Joshu 🫱 Given the considerations we’ve discussed, what would your recommendation be — change the name or leave it the same? 🫲 rps
Joshu 🫱
Based on the cultural, historical, and practical considerations, I recommend leaving the name Denali as it is. Here’s why:
Why Keep the Name Denali?
Cultural Respect and Heritage
“Denali” is the original name used by the Koyukon Athabaskan people for thousands of years, meaning “The High One.” Restoring this name in 2015 was a significant step toward honoring Indigenous heritage and respecting Alaska’s Native communities.
Reverting to “Mt. McKinley” would be seen as a disregard for the cultural and historical importance of the name “Denali.”
Relevance to the Landmark
President McKinley had no connection to Alaska or the mountain itself. The name “McKinley” was originally suggested by a prospector as a political gesture, not because of any direct association.
“Denali” has intrinsic meaning and significance tied to the region and its people, making it more appropriate for the mountain.
Alaskan Identity
Alaskans overwhelmingly support the name “Denali,” as it reflects their state’s unique culture and heritage. Reverting to “Mt. McKinley” would likely alienate the people of Alaska.
Consistency with the Park Name
The name of the park, Denali National Park and Preserve, has reflected the mountain’s cultural and ecological significance for over 40 years. Keeping the mountain’s name as Denali ensures consistency between the landmark and the park, avoiding confusion and reinforcing their shared identity.
The alignment of the mountain’s name with the park’s name represents progress in recognizing and respecting Indigenous cultures. Changing the name back to Mt. McKinley would not only create inconsistency but also undermine this progress.
Practical and Financial Considerations
Renaming the mountain again would involve millions of dollars in administrative costs, signage updates, map revisions, and public re-education efforts. This would strain resources that could be better spent elsewhere.
National Unity and Progress
Restoring the name “Denali” was widely celebrated as a move toward inclusivity and acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions to American history. Changing it back could be viewed as a regressive and politically divisive decision.
Alternative Ways to Honor McKinley
Instead of renaming Denali, McKinley’s legacy could be celebrated in more relevant and meaningful ways:
Strengthen the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton, Ohio.
Rename a major park, building, or institution in Ohio after McKinley, where his ties are more significant.
Create educational programs or scholarships in McKinley’s name to emphasize his contributions to the nation.
Conclusion
The name “Denali” is more culturally appropriate, historically significant, and locally supported. It reflects the growing recognition of Indigenous heritage and the importance of preserving native languages and traditions. Honoring President McKinley is best achieved through initiatives in Ohio, where his personal and historical connections are strongest. This approach avoids unnecessary controversy and expense while respecting both McKinley’s legacy and the cultural significance of Denali.
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