Suicide Peak name change to Yuyanq' Ch'ex (Heaven's Breath)

The Issue

North and South Suicide Peaks (15 miles SE of Anchorage, Alaska) are inappropriately named, derogatory, hurtful and culturally dishonoring.  Therefore, we are asking for these peaks, which are traditionally located on Dena'ina Athabascan lands, to be renamed as N. and S. Yuyanq’ Ch’ex, which means Heaven's Breath in Dena’ina Athabascan.  In 1951, these mountains were named by some non-Alaskan Railroad workers who didn't consider the First Alaskans (Dena'ina/Athabscans), as well as all Alaskans' tragic and ongoing battle with suicide.  The new name, proposed by several Athabascans, is Yuyanq' Ch'ex (Heaven's Breath), and is an appropriate name on many levels:  1. It accurately describes the geographical features (which is traditionally how the Dena'ina name their places).  2. It is compassionate toward all who have lost loved ones to suicide, which is especially important because Alaska's rural communities have up to 4X the national suicide rate.  3. It is culturally honoring to the First People of Alaska.  4. It is a hope-filled name that can inspire many to live and not commit suicide. 

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The Issue

North and South Suicide Peaks (15 miles SE of Anchorage, Alaska) are inappropriately named, derogatory, hurtful and culturally dishonoring.  Therefore, we are asking for these peaks, which are traditionally located on Dena'ina Athabascan lands, to be renamed as N. and S. Yuyanq’ Ch’ex, which means Heaven's Breath in Dena’ina Athabascan.  In 1951, these mountains were named by some non-Alaskan Railroad workers who didn't consider the First Alaskans (Dena'ina/Athabscans), as well as all Alaskans' tragic and ongoing battle with suicide.  The new name, proposed by several Athabascans, is Yuyanq' Ch'ex (Heaven's Breath), and is an appropriate name on many levels:  1. It accurately describes the geographical features (which is traditionally how the Dena'ina name their places).  2. It is compassionate toward all who have lost loved ones to suicide, which is especially important because Alaska's rural communities have up to 4X the national suicide rate.  3. It is culturally honoring to the First People of Alaska.  4. It is a hope-filled name that can inspire many to live and not commit suicide. 

The Decision Makers

Alaskans who care about Alaskans
Alaskans who care about Alaskans
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Petition created on September 26, 2020