On paper, the new Inupiat Eskimo name of the nation’s northernmost town is now official. But not so fast. The reality is not so simple.
The town was known as Barrow until Thursday, when the new name, Utqiagvik (oot-GHAR’-vik), became effective, less than two months after voters approved the change with a six-vote majority of voters.
But the name is being challenged. A local Alaska Native corporation filed a civil lawsuit Wednesday that claims city officials rushed the process with insufficient outreach to the public. Plaintiffs also maintain the new name isn’t even the area’s traditional place name.
And on Tuesday, an ordinance to consider asking voters if the new name should be repealed was introduced at the City Council meeting. The proposal will be addressed by the council in January.
