Elizabeth Peratrovich Day: Alaska Native Civil Rights Pioneer

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy officially proclaimed February 16th as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska, honoring the Tlingit civil rights activist whose tireless advocacy led to the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. The annual observance recognizes Peratrovich’s pivotal role in securing equal rights for Alaska Natives.

Born Elizabeth Jean Wanamaker on July 4, 1911, in Petersburg, Alaska, Peratrovich dedicated her life to fighting systemic discrimination faced by Alaska Natives despite their citizenship, granted in 1924, and contributions including service in World War II. At the time, Native Alaskans were routinely denied equal access to public services, including healthcare, education, and even basic accommodations.

For four years, Peratrovich, alongside her husband Roy, campaigned for legislation to address these inequities. Their efforts involved drafting bills, garnering support from fellow Alaska Natives, and directly lobbying members of the territorial legislature. The culmination of this operate arrived on February 16, 1945, when the anti-discrimination bill reached the Senate floor.

During a two-hour hearing, Peratrovich delivered a powerful and impassioned speech that proved instrumental in swaying senators to approve the measure. The Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 became the first such law enacted in either Alaska or the United States, prohibiting discrimination based on race in public accommodations.

Peratrovich continued her work advocating for civil rights until her death on December 1, 1958, at the age of 47. Her legacy has been increasingly recognized in recent years. In 1988, Governor Steve Cowper initially designated April 21st as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, later shifting the date to February 16th to commemorate the anniversary of the Anti-Discrimination Act’s passage. In 2019, her life story was featured in The New York Times’ “Overlooked No More” series, and in 2020, the U.S. Mint released a $1 coin bearing her likeness.

The Peratrovich family papers, containing correspondence and documentation of their civil rights work, are currently preserved at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Governor Dunleavy’s proclamation encourages all Alaskans to reflect on Peratrovich’s life and contributions to equality.