Denali or McKinley
Dear Editor: In 2015, the name of the highest peak in America changed from “Mount McKinley” to “Denali,” a name that honors the Indigenous Athabascan people. “Denali” translates to “the high one” or “the tall one” which reflects the mountains most recognizable feature.
I stand by the opinion that the name “Denali” should remain. The name Denali means more than height or size. It symbolizes durability, strength, and most importantly, a strong connection to the natural world. Alaska Natives believe that the mountain is alive, illustrating the spirit of the land. Denali is a sacred place, while also playing a significant role in their cultural practices and beliefs.
Furthermore, Rep. Maxine Dilbert states, “It’s not just a name, it’s a symbol of history, a symbol of culture, and a symbol of respect.” And Rep. Louise Stutes states, “To me, this issue is not a political one. It is simply about honoring our Native culture and heritage in Alaska, as well as our right to determine as Alaskans what is best for us.” Rep. Maxine Dibert and Rep. Louise Stutes gave a notable example on what is important to us Alaskans, who have more of a connection to the mountain than President McKinley and Trump.
However, former President McKinley had no personal ties or connections with Denali, nor had he ever been to Alaska. So why would we name an Alaskan mountain after him? Good question. Let us investigate what President Trump had to say. Trump states in a speech earlier this month, “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president. They took his name off Mount McKinley. That is what they do to people.”
What made him so great, you might ask. Well, president Trump and McKinley have one thing in common. Tariffs. In 1890, the Tariff Act increasing duties on imports from 38 to 49.5 percent had been passed by Congress. Trump then promises that he will “restore the name of a great president … where it should be and where it belongs. President McKinley made our country extraordinarily rich through tariffs and through talent.” Although McKinley may have been a good, maybe even great president, we should continue to honor and respect the Alaska Natives wishes to keep Denali’s name rather than ignoring their history and cultural values.
In conclusion, keeping the name Denali can ensure that we are respecting the Alaska Natives. We can respect them by honoring their wishes to keep its name, as it has real meaning and keeps them connected to their beliefs rather than naming the mountain after a president with no connection to Alaska. This is why I think the name Denali should remain.
Kiera Watson, Sitka
Letter Response
Dear Editor: I am writing in response to Larry Edwards’ letter addressing the correlation between sales tax revenue and cruise passenger numbers in Sitka. As one of the presenters from Safeguard Sitka’s Future, I would like to clarify the misleading assertions regarding our data analysis and provide a more complete picture. Mr. Edwards claims that Small Town SOUL’s chart presenting inflation-adjusted sales tax revenue and travel data is sufficient to prove cruise passenger numbers have little impact on total sales tax revenue.
However, this argument hides the broader truth: while inflation-adjusted revenue may appear steady, it is total revenue that has consistently grown, making it possible for inflation-adjusted revenue to remain stable despite increased costs over time. To be clear, total revenue growth, driven significantly by cruise passenger activity, has bolstered Sitka’s economy, helping it weather inflationary pressures.
This growth ensures that inflation-adjusted revenue, the focus of Mr. Edwards’ argument, does not falter. Ignoring this interplay leads to an incomplete and biased interpretation of the data.Safeguard Sitka’s Future has consistently emphasized the need to consider the broader dynamics of Sitka’s economy, including how cruise passengers contribute to total revenue growth. To claim, as Mr. Edwards does, that these contributions are nonsense dismisses the tangible benefits we all see: vibrant businesses, strong municipal revenues, and a resilient community able to navigate economic challenges.
While robust analysis is critical, selectively focusing on one aspect of the data obscures the reality of Sitka’s economic system. We remain committed to transparent, holistic discussions grounded in comprehensive data to ensure Sitka’s prosperity.
Ian Dempster, Sitka
