The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a key part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is responsible for standardizing place names across the United States. This board, appointed in collaboration with the president-appointed Secretary of the Interior Department, follows a formal process to approve or reject name change proposals. This process, known for its extensive paperwork and lengthy deliberations, recently came under scrutiny due to a notable case involving Alaska's Denali mountain.
The Denali name change highlights how intricate and prolonged this process can be. Despite Alaska's request to rename the mountain in 1975, the board did not act for decades. The situation reached a turning point in 2015 when President Barack Obama's administration declared the name change official. This action was taken under a specific law that allows the Secretary of the Interior to bypass the board if it fails to act within a "reasonable" timeframe. Sally Jewell, the then Secretary of the Interior, made the name Denali official, recognizing its sacred status among Alaska Natives.
"This name change recognizes the sacred status of Denali to many Alaska Natives," – Jewell
The board's process involves gathering input from various stakeholders, including state geographic names authorities, land management agencies, local governments, and Tribal Governments. This collaborative approach ensures that all relevant voices are heard before making any decision.
"Input from State geographic names authorities, land management agencies, local governments, and Tribal Governments are actively pursued." – U.S. Board on Geographic Names
The journey to officially recognize Denali's name reflects a broader challenge: how to handle name changes for geographic places within U.S. borders. The board did not act on the proposal for years despite Alaska's longstanding use of the name since 1975 and its significance to local communities.
Renaming places like Denali within U.S. borders differs significantly from proposals to rename international regions such as the Gulf of Mexico. While theoretically possible for the board to change this name on official U.S. maps, there is no international body governing place names. This complicates efforts to alter names recognized globally, as any such change would require diplomatic negotiations or even sanctions against non-compliant countries.
The complexity of these cases underscores the importance of a structured naming process. Ensuring that names align with cultural significance and historical context remains paramount. This was further emphasized by recent actions from the Department of the Interior under President Donald Trump's administration.
"In accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s recent executive order, the Department of the Interior is proud to announce the implementation of name restorations that honor the legacy of American greatness, with efforts already underway." – U.S. Department of the Interior
Such initiatives aim to honor America's heritage while balancing modern-day cultural sensitivities. For instance, in Minneapolis, efforts are underway to restore traditional Dakota names for local landmarks, reflecting a deep respect for indigenous history.
"a Dakota name for the lake that has been passed down in oral history for many years." – Minneapolis Park Board
These examples illustrate the intricate balance between preserving historical integrity and acknowledging contemporary cultural identities. While some changes may proceed more swiftly when backed by presidential directives or significant public pressure, others require careful consideration and consensus-building across multiple layers of government and society.
The board's ongoing endeavors highlight a broader trend towards acknowledging diverse narratives within national history. As America continues to evolve, so too will its approach to naming its landmarks—striving always towards inclusivity and respect for all communities involved.
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