Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

February 16th 2025

By President Kevin Hall

Elizabeth Peratrovich: The Voice That Changed Alaska

In the annals of history, certain voices rise above the din of injustice, transforming societies and securing a better future for generations to come. Elizabeth Peratrovich was one such voice—a Tlingit woman whose unwavering courage and eloquence dismantled institutionalized racism in Alaska and paved the way for the civil rights movement in the United States.
It was February 5, 1945, when Peratrovich stood before the Alaska Territorial Senate, facing down an entrenched system of discrimination that treated Alaska Natives as second-class citizens. The Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act was up for debate, and the chamber was filled with skeptics who saw no need for change. Some senators argued that segregation was not an issue, while others claimed that Native people were “not ready” for equality. Then Elizabeth Peratrovich spoke. “I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them of our Bill of Rights.” Her words cut through the room, exposing the hypocrisy of those who claimed that discrimination was a matter of preference, not oppression. With calm but undeniable force, she shared firsthand experiences of racism—businesses displaying “No Natives Allowed” signs, children denied opportunities, and families refused service simply for their heritage. She called out the senators’ apathy and demanded accountability.
Her speech turned the tide. The Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act passed that day, becoming the first civil rights law in the United States—predating the national Civil Rights Act by nearly two decades. The law prohibited racial discrimination in public accommodations, education, and employment, marking a monumental shift in the legal standing of Alaska Natives. Beyond the legislation itself, Peratrovich’s impact was cultural. She emboldened Alaska Natives to assert their rights, challenge discriminatory practices, and engage in self-determination. She proved that indigenous voices could shape policy, change minds, and demand justice.
Today, we honor Elizabeth Peratrovich not only for her words but for the world they helped create. Every February 16, Alaska recognizes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day as a reminder that one voice, backed by truth and conviction, can dismantle even the most entrenched injustices. Her legacy is not just in history books; it lives in every Native-owned business, every Indigenous student who walks into a school without fear of exclusion, and every leader who refuses to accept silence in the face of inequality. And it remains a call to action—because while the signs of segregation may no longer hang in store windows, the struggle for equity and recognition continues.

Take care!
Kevin Hall

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By Levi Rickert  February 16, 2024

Today, February 16th, is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska. Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich (Tlingit) was a civil rights activist who is credited with pushing for the anti–discrimination law in the United States. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a proclamation earlier this week officially declaring today as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.

Almost two decades before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Peratrovich was instrumental in passing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 that ended legal discrimination against Alaska Native people.

The Act was passed before Alaska gained statehood, which caused Alaska to be the first state or territory in the country to have an anti-discrimination law.

Peratrovich, born in 1911 in St. Petersburg, Alaska, grew up during a time where signs outside of restaurants often read: “No Indians or dogs allowed.” As a young woman, witnessing this discrimination was the inspiration that set Peratrovich and her husband, Roy Peratrovich (Tlingit), on a lifelong endeavor to end discrimination against Natives. In 1941, they wrote a letter to their governor, asking him to remove the racist signs, which was ultimately the first step in their push towards the Anti-Discrimination Act.

In remarks to the National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) said Peratrovich was an early civil rights leader who should be recognized nationally for the work she did. Peltola said her staff is working a on resolution to gain national recognition for Peratrovich.

“We urgently need more Elizabeth Peratrovichs willing to get involved, educate, and inspire,” Peltola said.

Governor Dunleavy’s proclamation said:

“Elizabeth and her husband, Roy, fought for their campaign tirelessly, and after four years of penning legislation, enlisting the help of other Alaska Natives, and lobbying territorial legislators for support, in 1945 their anti-discrimination bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate; and on February 16, 1945, after a two-hour long hearing, Elizabeth stood and delivered an impassioned and eloquent speech that garnered the support needed to pass the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.”

The proclamation said Peratrovich continued championing civil rights until her death on December 1, 1958, at the age of 47.

In celebration of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Native Caucus Chair Clara Pratte released on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 the following statement: 

“On Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, we celebrate the enduring legacy of a fearless leader who championed Indigenous rights and social justice. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s groundbreaking work, including her instrumental role in passing the country’s first anti-discrimination law in 1945, paved the way for progress and equality. She was also an active voice in the fight for voting rights, ensuring that Indigenous voices across Tribal communities are heard and respected in the democratic process. 

“As our freedoms and rights are threatened by extremists, we look to Elizabeth’s trailblazing legacy for inspiration and as a reminder that we must never be afraid to fight on behalf of all our communities. Today and every day, we honor Elizabeth Peratrovich’s contributions and recommit ourselves to advancing Indigenous rights, combatting discrimination, and upholding the principles of equality and justice for all.”

The State of Alaska has recognized February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day since 1988. But in February 2023, the United States Senate recognized the holiday nationally, thanks to legislation introduced by Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski. Also, in 2020, the civil rights activist was commemorated on $1 coins for her contributions to the betterment of Alaska Natives for future generations.

Native News Online senior reporter Jenna Kunze contributed to this article.