Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) speaks in support of the Native name of Denali on the floor of the U.S. Senate on February 13, 2025.

Murkowski serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She has introduced legislation to officially designate the highest peak in North America by its name in the Koyukon language.

“In Alaska, it’s Denali,” Murkowski said. “Once you see it in person, and take in the majesty of its size and breathe in its cold air, you can understand why the Koyukon Athabascans referred to it as ‘The Great One.’"

This isn’t a political issue – Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name," said Murkowski. "That’s why today I once again introduced legislation that would officially keep this mountain’s quintessential name, ‘Denali.’”

President Donald Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to change the name of Denali to Mount McKinley. Secretary Doug Burgum took action on February 14. 2025 -- a day after Murkowski's remarks -- to adopt the directive.

Murkowski's bill is S.573:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/573