A Champion for Civil Rights in Alaska

Elizabeth Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman from Petersburg, Alaska, played a major role in the fight for Native civil rights. Born in 1911, she and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, faced open discrimination, from segregated public spaces to signs that read “No Natives Allowed.” Determined to make a change, they became leaders in the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood, speaking out against injustice. Their efforts led to a historic moment on February 5, 1945, when Elizabeth gave a powerful speech before the Alaska Territorial Legislature. She challenged lawmakers by saying, “Do your laws against larceny and murder prevent those crimes? No law will eliminate crimes, but at least you can say that you have done your part to right a great wrong.”

Her speech helped pass the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, the first civil rights law in the U.S. since the Civil War. This law banned racial segregation in Alaska, nearly 20 years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did the same nationwide. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s courage changed the lives of Alaska Natives and set an example for future civil rights movements. Today, she is honored every year on February 16 for her work and lasting impact on equality.

Elizabeth’s fight for justice connects to the Copper River Native Association’s annual meeting theme, “Our People Forever.” Her legacy is a reminder that standing up for Native rights is about protecting the past, strengthening the present, and ensuring a better future. Just as she fought for fairness, today’s leaders continue working to uplift and empower Native communities for generations to come.

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.