Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is celebrated annually on February 16. This day honors the Tlingit civil rights activist whose advocacy led to the passage of the first anti-discrimination law in the United States. It is a day of reflection on the progress made toward racial equality and a reminder of the courage required to challenge systemic injustice.

History of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

The history of this observance is tied to the signing of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act on February 16, 1945. Elizabeth Peratrovich, then Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, played a pivotal role in the bill’s success. After the legislation failed to pass in 1943, she and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, traveled across Alaska to rally support and gather evidence of the blatant discrimination faced by Indigenous people. During the 1945 floor debate, Elizabeth delivered a famous rebuttal to a senator who questioned whether “savages” deserved equal rights, effectively swaying the vote in favor of the act.

The state of Alaska officially established the holiday in 1988 to recognize her “courageous, unceasing efforts” to secure equal rights for all Alaskans. Initially, the legislature considered other dates, but eventually chose February 16 to mark the anniversary of the bill becoming law. In 2023, the United States Senate passed a resolution to recognize the day nationally, further cementing her legacy as a foundational figure in the American civil rights movement. Her impact reached beyond Alaska, as the 1945 act preceded the national Civil Rights Act by nearly two decades.

Why is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day important?

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is important because it highlights a crucial victory for Indigenous sovereignty and human rights that occurred before the broader national civil rights movements of the 1950s and 60s. For many years, Alaska Natives were subjected to “No Natives Allowed” signs and restricted from certain housing, schools, and hospitals. This holiday ensures that the story of how these barriers were dismantled remains a permanent part of the public record. It acknowledges the specific hardships of the Tlingit people and the resilience they showed in the face of organized prejudice.

The day also serves as a testament to the power of individual voice and persistent lobbying. Peratrovich was not a legislator herself, yet her testimony transformed the political landscape of her time. By celebrating her, the holiday inspires others to use their words to combat contemporary forms of discrimination and inequality. It bridges the gap between historical struggles and modern advocacy, reminding the public that legislative change is often the result of grassroots organizing and the refusal to accept second-class citizenship.

• It commemorates the signing of the first anti-discrimination law in American history.
• The day honors the specific contributions of Tlingit and Alaska Native activists.
• It recognizes the successful effort to remove racist signage from public businesses.
• The holiday promotes awareness of Indigenous civil rights before the 1960s.
• It serves as an educational tool for schools to teach Alaskan and civil rights history.

How to Observe Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Observing Elizabeth Peratrovich Day often involves community gatherings and educational programs focused on Native history. Many people visit the Elizabeth Peratrovich Gallery in the Alaska House of Representatives or stop by memorials like the commemorative bench in Sitka. Reading her famous 1945 speech is a common way to reflect on the day’s significance. Schools and libraries frequently host displays or essay contests that encourage students to explore the parallels between her work and modern social justice efforts.

In Alaska, some organizations grant employees a day off to participate in parades or volunteer for Indigenous advocacy groups. You can also celebrate by supporting Native-owned businesses or attending cultural performances that highlight Tlingit traditions. Many people choose this day to learn more about the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood, the organizations that supported the anti-discrimination campaign. Engaging with the $1 gold coin issued in 2020, which features her likeness, is another way to keep her memory visible in daily life.

• Read or listen to a reenactment of Elizabeth’s 1945 testimony to the Senate.
• Visit local monuments or parks named in honor of the Peratrovich family.
• Attend a community parade or cultural event hosted by Alaska Native groups.
• Donate to organizations that protect the voting and civil rights of Indigenous people.
• Watch a documentary about the passage of the 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act.

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day Dates Table