Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

State of Alaska, Jun 11, 2007

The State of Alaska is recognizing Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to bring attention to the contributions made by this courageous Native woman to end discrimination of Alaska Natives.

Elizabeth Peratrovich spearheaded the civil rights movement in Alaska. She communicated her personal vision through deeply moving speeches that inspired and persuaded Alaska's legislative body to pass the Anti-discrimination Act of 1945. This Act ensures the dignity and equality of Alaska Natives.

As Grand Camp President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS), Elizabeth Peratrovich provided the crucial testimony that contributed to passage of the legislation. When asked by the Senate, “Will the equal rights bill eliminate discrimination in Alaska?” she answered, “Have you eliminated larceny or murder by passing a law against it? No law will eliminate crimes but, at least you as legislators, can assert to the world that you recognize the evil of the present situation and speak your intent to help us overcome discrimination.”

As Elizabeth stepped down from the Senate platform, the galleries and some of the senators gave her rousing applause. The resolution passed by the Legislature was entitled “An Act to provide for full and equal accommodations, facilities, and privileges to all citizens in places of public accommodations within the jurisdiction of the Territory of Alaska; to provide penalties for violation.”

On February 16, 1945, Ernest Gruening, Governor of the Territory of Alaska, signed into law the first anti-discrimination bill introduced and passed in Alaska, nearly 20 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Forty-three years later, the Alaska State Legislature passed a bill designating February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in honor of the late ANS Grand President's pursuit to end discrimination.

Now, therefore, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2007, as:

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska, and encourage all residents to recognize the great contributions Elizabeth Peratrovich made to our state and its people in ensuring equality for all Alaskans.