Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

A Champion of Native American Rights

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is a state holiday in Alaska, celebrated on February 16th, to honor the life and legacy of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, a Tlingit Native American woman who played a crucial role in the fight against discrimination and racism in Alaska. Born in 1911, Elizabeth grew up in a time when Native Americans faced immense prejudice and marginalization. Despite these challenges, she became a powerful advocate for Native American rights, working tirelessly to promote equality and justice.

A Life of Activism and Service

Elizabeth's activism began in the 1940s, when she started speaking out against the 'No Natives Allowed' signs that were commonplace in Alaska. She worked closely with her husband, Roy Peratrovich, to raise awareness about the injustices faced by Native Americans and to push for legislative changes. In 1945, Elizabeth testified before the Alaska State Legislature, delivering a powerful speech that helped to pass the Anti-Discrimination Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is celebrated across Alaska, with events and activities that honor her life and legacy. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting equality, justice, and understanding among all people. Elizabeth's courage and determination continue to inspire generations of Alaskans, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in creating positive change.

Early Life and Influences

Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich was born on July 4, 1911, in Petersburg, Alaska, to a Tlingit Native American family. Her early life was marked by the challenges faced by Native Americans in Alaska, including poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. Despite these obstacles, Elizabeth's family instilled in her a strong sense of pride and identity, which would later fuel her activism.

The Fight Against Discrimination

In the 1940s, Elizabeth began to speak out against the discrimination faced by Native Americans in Alaska. She was particularly outraged by the 'No Natives Allowed' signs that were commonplace in public places, including restaurants, hotels, and movie theaters. Elizabeth's activism was motivated by her own experiences of discrimination, as well as the injustices faced by her family and community.

A Turning Point in History

Elizabeth's testimony before the Alaska State Legislature in 1945 was a turning point in the fight against discrimination. Her powerful words helped to sway lawmakers, and the Anti-Discrimination Act was passed soon after. This landmark legislation prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, and paved the way for future civil rights legislation in Alaska.

Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

To celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, Alaskans come together to honor her life and legacy. Here are some ways to observe this special day:

• Attend cultural events and festivals that showcase Native American heritage and traditions.
• Learn more about Elizabeth Peratrovich's life and activism, and share her story with others.
• Participate in community service projects that promote equality, justice, and understanding among all people.

Honoring Elizabeth's Legacy

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in promoting equality and justice, as well as the work that still needs to be done. Here are some ways to honor her legacy:

• Support organizations that work to promote Native American rights and advocate for social justice.
• Engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Take action to address the ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities, including poverty, discrimination, and marginalization.

• Cultural Appropriation: Avoid appropriating Native American cultural symbols, imagery, or practices without proper understanding, permission, or compensation.
• Stereotyping: Refrain from perpetuating stereotypes about Native Americans, and instead, focus on promoting accurate and respectful representations.
• Erasure: Avoid erasing or ignoring the histories and experiences of Native Americans, and instead, work to amplify their voices and stories.