For 62 years, we have had the privilege of flying adventurers and sightseers into the heart of the Alaska Range. At the center of these flights stands the tallest peak in North America: Denali. As an Alaska-based business deeply connected to lands we operate on, Rust’s Flying Service will continue to honor the name given by the original stewards of this land—Denali—while recognizing the Indigenous heritage and culture of the region.

Honoring Denali’s Cultural Tradition

The word Denali, comes from a Koyukon Athabascan word “Deenaalee“ with a meaning akin to “high”, “great”,  or “tall”. Long before it became a mountaineering destination or a national park, Alaska Natives revered Denali as a sacred and central part of their homeland for thousands of years. While the name was officially restored at the federal level in 2015, Alaska Native communities, Alaskans, and those who respect the cultural significance of the region have always recognized the mountain as Denali.

At Rust’s Flying Service, we believe in honoring the history and traditions of the land we operate on. We proudly refer to the peak as Denali in all our communications, flight operations, and guest interactions. As we guide visitors on scenic flights we aim to share not only the grandeur of the landscape but also the rich cultural heritage embedded in these mountains.

The History of Naming Denali ‘Mount McKinley’

In 1896, a gold prospector from New Hampshire named William A. Dickey referred to the peak as Mount McKinley in support of then-presidential candidate William McKinley, who later became the 25th President of the United States. This name was officially recognized by the federal government in 1917, despite McKinley having no direct connection nor ever stepping foot in Alaska. For nearly a century, the name Mount McKinley persisted, largely due to federal recognition, even though many Alaskans and Alaska Native communities continued to use Denali.

In 1975, the state of Alaska renamed the peak as Denali on state maps and databases and formally requested that the federal government do the same. The congressional delegation from McKinley’s home state of Ohio successfully blocked the change. After decades of advocacy by Alaskan officials and Alaska Native groups, the name Denali was officially restored by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2015.

Indigenous History of Denali, Begguya (Hunter), and Sultana (Foraker)

The Athabascan people tell a tale of Yahoo, a warrior, who paddled west in search of a wife and upon arrival at the Raven Chief’s village, was given the daughter of the second chief. The Raven Chief, enraged, pursued him. As Yahoo fled by canoe, the Raven Chief summoned storms and hurled a great spear, but Yahoo used powerful medicine to turn the towering storm waves into mountains of stone. The spear struck the tallest peak and flew into the sky. The Raven Chief, unable to stop, crashed into the rocks and transformed into a raven, soaring away. Exhausted from using all this strength to turn the waves to stone, Yahoo fell asleep. When Yahoo awoke, he was home with his wife, and the mighty peaks he had created stood tall—one called Sultana (Mount Foraker), and the greatest of them all, Denali.

Sultana (Mount Foraker), meaning “The Woman” in Dena’ina, stands alongside Denali, forming a part of the region’s spiritual landscape. According to Alaska Native stories, Denali and Sultana are seen as powerful, complementary forces within the land. These mountains are not just geological features but also carry deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Alaska Native peoples. Begguya (Mount Hunter), in the Dena’ina language, means “Child of Denali”.

A Responsible Approach to Adventure

As a company dedicated to responsible tourism, Rust’s Flying Service continuously seeks ways to support the communities and lands we engage with. Our team remains committed to ethical operations, environmental stewardship, and cultural respect. Through education and advocacy, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for Alaska’s Indigenous heritage among all who visit.

If you are flying with us for a breathtaking flightseeing tour, you can be assured that Rust’s Flying Service will continue to honor the mountain’s Alaska Native name and acknowledge the indigenous lands that make these experiences possible.

Acknowledging the Indigenous Land We Operate On

Chin’an (thank you) to the Athabascan and Alaska Native peoples. We at Rust’s Flying Service respectfully acknowledge that we operate on the traditional lands of the Athabascan people, who have stewarded these lands for time immemorial. The Alaska Range, including Denali, holds deep significance for the Athabascan and other Indigenous peoples of Alaska. We recognize and respect their enduring connection to these lands and waters.

Join Us in Honoring Denali

We invite all our guests and fellow adventurers to join us in respecting the heritage of Denali and the Indigenous peoples of Alaska. By learning, acknowledging, and using the mountain’s traditional name, we help preserve its history and cultural significance for future generations.