Place names bill would make the outdoors safer and more welcoming for all people

The Coalition of Outdoor Renaming and Education commends Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Al Green for their leadership in reintroducing the Reconciliation In Place Names Act in the 119th Congress, an effort to address the disturbing and harmful legacy of place names rooted in racism, exclusion, and cultural imperialism. This bill would codify the work incubated by former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland that established the Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names.

A powerful example of the need for this legislation can be found in the history of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. For over 10,000 years, Koyukon Athabaskan people have called it by the name Denali, which means the “great one.” In 1897, it was renamed Mount McKinley to honor then-presidential candidate William McKinley, who had no connection to Alaska. This act of cultural erasure was rectified in 2015 when the mountain was formally renamed Denali by the Obama Administration after sustained advocacy from Alaskan Indigenous communities, with the support of Alaska’s federal delegation to restore the mountain’s Indigenous name. However, this progress was unilaterally dismissed on January 20, 2025 by "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," an executive order issued by President Trump renaming the mountain Mount McKinley. This action not only disregards the deep-rooted connection of Indigenous communities to these lands, but also perpetuates a history of colonialism and cultural insensitivity.

The Reconciliation in Place Names Act will make our outdoors safer and more welcoming, take a step towards healing historical wounds, remind us that our public lands and waterways belong to everyone, and set us on a path towards a future where all communities are able to enjoy our treasured natural wonders without harassment.

CORE stands in unwavering support of this legislative effort and envisions a future where every individual can see their heritage and history accurately reflected in the places we collectively cherish. In addition to CORE, almost 80 organizations and individuals have endorsed the legislation, ranging from Tribal organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund to environmental organizations such as The Sierra Club and the Grand Canyon Trust. See a  full list of endorsing organizations and individuals here.

Below are statements on this legislation from leaders of CORE’s Steering Committee.

Kimberly Smith (Citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee), Southern Appalachian Community Conservation Specialist, The Wilderness Society

“Reintroducing and passing the Reconciliation in Place Names Act is a moral imperative. This legislation cements the renaming initiative into the consciousness of the American people as a necessary step toward healing the deep divisions in our country. By formally recognizing and addressing the harm inflicted by derogatory place names, we validate the work of so many who have fought tirelessly to create an inclusive and truthful history of these lands.

This act is about more than just names: it’s about justice, reconciliation, and hope. The renaming initiative is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to an honest history and a more unified nation. This is our opportunity to stand on the right side of history."

Gerry Seavo James, Deputy Director of Outdoors For All, The Sierra Club

"Place names shape our understanding of landscapes, history, and identity. The Reconciliation in Place Names Act is a step toward justice, ensuring that the names of our mountains, rivers, and trails reflect the deep histories and cultures of those who have stewarded them for generations. Words hold power: restoring Indigenous place names and supporting renaming efforts for those most harmed is not just about recognition, but about respect, reconciliation, and truth. Just-Trails stands firmly in support of this effort to honor the stewardship of these lands and build a future where all people see themselves reflected in our shared outdoor heritage." 

Julie Judkins, Co-Founder, Just Trails

"Place names shape our understanding of landscapes, history, and identity. The Reconciliation in Place Names Act is a step toward justice, ensuring that the names of our mountains, rivers, and trails reflect the deep histories and cultures of those who have stewarded them for generations. Words hold power: restoring Indigenous place names and supporting renaming efforts for those most harmed is not just about recognition, but about respect, reconciliation, and truth. Just-Trails stands firmly in support of this effort to honor the stewardship of these lands and build a future where all people see themselves reflected in our shared outdoor heritage." 

Jennifer Fairbanks (Citizen of the Red Lake Nation), Communications Director, Native Organizers Alliance

“In the struggle for the dignity of Native peoples and to honor our true collective history, we’ve pushed to change offensive and discriminatory place names across Turtle Island. Reintroducing and passing the Reconciliation in Place Names Act will be a vital step toward healing historical wounds and toward creating a future where the beauty of our landscapes are not tainted by reminders of systemic racism for generations to come. 

This legislation acknowledges the pain caused by these offensive and discriminatory names and seeks to restore the dignity of our sacred lands by honoring this land's history and its original stewards. By embracing this act, America takes a step toward honoring the voices of our ancestors and moving forward together in a spirit of unity.”