Residents in the United States’ northernmost community have spoken. And they’ve done so in favor of a native language. Barrow, Alaska, townsfolk voted to change the name to its traditional Iñupiat name: Utqiagvik (oot-GHAR-vik).
The vote was close—381 for the change, 375 against. Now the city of fewer than 5,000 must implement the new name on signs and legal papers. Doing so may cost more than residents bargained for.
Barrow is a largely Iñupiat city. It sits above the Artic Circle.
Barrow City Council member Qaiyaan Harcharek introduced the name-change measure. He is Iñupiat on his mother’s side.
“We are now in an era where the reclamation of tradition is critical to the perpetuation of identity as Iñupiat,” Harcharek says. “Regaining our traditional names is just one step!”
Barrow’s vote follows another name change in Alaska. In 2015, the Obama administration changed the name of North America’s tallest mountain. Mount McKinley became Denali. That’s a native Alaskan word meaning “the high one.”
It’s not immediately clear what Barrow’s new name, Utqiagvik, means. Some say it means “a place where snow owls are hunted.” Others say it refers to potatoes—even though potatoes aren’t native to the area.
Among those unhappy with the change is William Phillips. Phillips is a non-Native local married to an Iñupiat woman. He owns the Barrow Souvenirs and Gifts shop. He’s lived in Barrow for 22 years.
Phillips believes the city will pay dearly for the name change. He also says it will be inconvenient for those who must alter documents such as drivers’ licenses. Phillips thinks voters didn’t consider the practical impact.
“Most of the yes votes probably were proud Native people who think they’re going to revitalize their culture,” Phillips says. He believes there are other ways to revitalize—ways that won’t cost money this remote town doesn’t have. He’s still deciding whether to change the name of his shop.
Along with its name, the town voted for one more change. They want Department of Transportation approval to change stop signs to the Iñupiat word: Nutqagin.
“To do so would acknowledge, honor, and be a reclamation of our beautiful language,” reads the town ordinance. If necessary, the English word Stop will be added, but it will be much smaller than the native word.
Alaska’s indigenous culture is unique. But no matter the tongue, God promises to ransom people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9)— including Utqiagvik!
