The Alaska State Legislature has passed a resolution urging federal authorities, including the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Interior, to maintain "Denali" as the official name for North America's tallest mountain. The resolution emphasizes the cultural significance of the name Denali, which is derived from the Koyukon Athabaskan language meaning "the high one." It highlights the historical connection of the Athabaskan people to the region, their long-standing use of the name, and the mountain's designation as Denali by the state in 1975 and later by the federal government in 2015.
The resolution also expresses concern that any attempt to change the mountain's name could lead to confusion and negatively impact tourism in Alaska. It calls for the Alaska congressional delegation to advocate for the preservation of the name Denali, reflecting the state's commitment to recognizing and honoring the heritage of Alaska Native peoples. The resolution is intended to reinforce the importance of Indigenous names in representing the diverse cultures and histories of the state's residents.