On Friday, the Alaska State Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 4 urging the federal government to maintain ‘Denali’ as the official name of North America’s tallest peak. The resolution passed with overwhelming support, 19-0 in the Senate and 31-8 in the House.
Representative Maxine Dibert (D-Fairbanks), who introduced the resolution, emphasized that Denali is more than just a mountain – it is a cornerstone of Alaska’s history and culture, and a tribute to Indigenous communities whose ties to the land go back millennia.
“Denali is more than a mountain. It’s a cornerstone of Alaska’s history, a tribute to our diverse culture and a testament to the people who have cherished this land for millennia,” said Dibert. “Changing the name would not only dishonor those who have fought to protect the name Denali, but also dismiss the voices of Native communities whose roots are intertwined with this land.”
Representative Ashley Carrick …