President Obama Changes the Name of Mount McKinley to Denali - East Idaho News
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President Obama Changes the Name of Mount McKinley to Denali

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(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) — The highest peak in North America is getting a name change.

Mt. McKinley is now known by its Koyukon Athabascan name, Denali, in an effort by President Obama to help strengthen ties with Alaskan natives and the government.

“This designation recognizes the sacred status of Denali to generations of Alaska Natives,” said a statement from the White House.

The president will formally announce the name change during his trip to Anchorage, Alaska on Monday, and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has already signed a secretarial order officially changing the name.

President Obama will also discuss more initiatives during his trip to Alaska including an environmental engagement program for young Alaskans.

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