Honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich Day: A Legacy of Courage and Equality

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, each year on February 16, honors the life and legacy of a woman whose courage helped change the course of civil rights in the United States. A proud Tlingit woman and civil rights leader, Elizabeth Peratrovich stood at the forefront of the fight against discrimination at a time when Alaska Native people faced widespread, legalized racism.

In the early 1940s, segregation was openly practiced across Alaska. Businesses and public spaces commonly displayed signs reading “No Natives Allowed” or “No Dogs or Natives.” Alaska Native people were routinely denied access to restaurants, hotels, theaters, and employment opportunities—simply because of who they were.

Rather than accepting injustice, Elizabeth Peratrovich and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, organized and advocated through the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS). Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, making Alaska the first U.S. territory or state to pass a comprehensive civil rights law banning discrimination based on race.

A Turning Point in Civil Rights History

Elizabeth Peratrovich is especially remembered for her powerful testimony before the Alaska Territorial Legislature on February 16, 1945. When legislators used demeaning and racist language to argue against the bill, Elizabeth responded with dignity, clarity, and strength. She challenged lawmakers to confront the fear and hatred behind discrimination and to recognize the humanity of Alaska Native people.

Her testimony is widely credited with shifting the tone of the debate. The bill passed the House by a narrow margin and was signed into law by Governor Ernest Gruening later that year.

Why this moment matters:

• The Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 predated the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 by nearly 20 years
• It prohibited discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing
• Violators could face fines and jail time, an unprecedented enforcement measure at the time

Elizabeth Peratrovich’s courage helped lay the groundwork for future civil rights movements across the country.

More Than a Day of Remembrance

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, observed annually on February 16, is more than a celebration of history—it is a call to action. Her story reminds us that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people who refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice.

For Alaska Native communities, her legacy is deeply personal. It represents resilience, advocacy, and the power of Native voices to shape laws, systems, and futures.

As we honor Elizabeth Peratrovich today, we reflect on both how far we have come and how important it remains to continue the work of equality, respect, and inclusion for all people. Her legacy lives on in every effort to protect Native rights, uplift Native voices, and build a more just Alaska.

References & Further Reading

• Alaska State Legislature. History of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945
• Alaska Native Brotherhood & Alaska Native Sisterhood Archives
• Alaska State Library, Historical Collections
• National Park Service. Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska’s Civil Rights Movement
• Governor Ernest Gruening Papers, University of Alaska Fairbanks

All of the information presented in this blog post is based on detailed research and historical records. For further reading and to explore the source material in depth, please visit the Library of Congress blog at https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2021/11/elizabeth-peratrovich-civil-and-voting-rights-activist/. This resource offers comprehensive insights into Elizabeth Peratrovich’s life, activism, and the lasting impact of her work on civil and voting rights.