1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I implore you to oppose any implementation of Executive Order 14172 and support S. 573 to ensure Denali’s rightful name is preserved. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski, recognizes the deep cultural and historical significance of Denali to Alaska Natives. The executive order disregards this Indigenous heritage in favor of a name imposed arbitrarily in 1896, honoring a president with no ties to Alaska. The order claims that renaming national landmarks should honor “visionary and patriotic Americans.” However, true national greatness comes from acknowledging all aspects of our history, including the Indigenous people who lived on this land long before the United States existed. The name Denali, meaning “the great one” in the Koyukon Athabascan language, has been used for centuries. In contrast, Mount McKinley was chosen by a gold prospector with no connection to the region. Some argue that reverting to Mount McKinley preserves tradition, but honoring history means acknowledging its complexity—place names evolve as our understanding deepens. Recognizing Denali does not erase McKinley’s legacy; it simply ensures that our landmarks accurately reflect the communities and cultures they represent. Furthermore, Denali is not just the historically and culturally correct name—it is the name widely recognized today. The National Park Service, the State of Alaska, and the majority of Alaskans support Denali. The 2015 renaming was not a political move, but the culmination of decades of advocacy. Reversing it now dismisses the voices of those most connected to the mountain. Some fear a “slippery slope” of renaming landmarks, but each case should be judged on its own merits. Unlike other places named after U.S. presidents, Denali had an original Indigenous name that was in use long before McKinley’s was imposed on it. Supporting S. 573 is about more than a name—it is about respecting America’s full history. I urge you to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill and oppose any efforts to enforce Executive Order 14172. By preserving Denali, we ensure that our national landmarks reflect the full depth of America’s history—not just the last 150 years, but the thousands of years that came before. Thank you for your time and consideration.