To: David Lammy - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Permanent Committee on Geographical Names (PCGN)

Petition to Restore the Indigenous Name of America: Hah-nu-nah

Photo by Nico Smit on Unsplash
We, the undersigned, call for the restoration of the land currently known as America to its original indigenous name, Hah-nu-nah, as an act of recognition, respect, and reconciliation with its Native peoples.

For centuries, the identity of these lands has been shaped by colonisation, which erased and marginalised the cultures and histories of the indigenous peoples who have stewarded them for millennia. The name Hah-nu-nah holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, reflecting the traditions, identity, and sovereignty of the original inhabitants.

Renaming America to Hah-nu-nah is a powerful step towards honouring this legacy, fostering understanding, and uplifting the voices of those who have long been silenced. This change aligns with global efforts to recognise indigenous rights and identities, such as Eswatini and Aotearoa, where nations have reclaimed their rightful names.

Join us in supporting this symbolic yet transformative act of justice, respect, and equity for the indigenous peoples of this land.

Why is this important?

This petition to rename America to its indigenous name, Hah-nu-nah, is crucial in the context of recent governmental actions that have altered significant geographical names, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Denali. These changes have been implemented without substantial consultation with indigenous communities, highlighting a pattern of disregarding the original names bestowed by the native inhabitants of these lands.

By advocating for the restoration of the name Hah-nu-nah, we aim to honour the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of indigenous peoples. This act serves as a step towards reconciliation and acknowledges the deep-rooted connections between the land and its first inhabitants.

In light of the recent renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Denali back to Mount McKinley, it is imperative to address the importance of indigenous nomenclature. Restoring the name Hah-nu-nah not only rectifies historical oversights but also fosters a more inclusive and respectful recognition of our nation’s diverse cultural landscape.

Supporting this petition is a meaningful action towards embracing and preserving the indigenous identities that form the foundation of our shared history.
United Kingdom

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