Elizabeth Peratrovich

Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit Alaska Native civil rights activist and a leader in the women's suffrage movement in Alaska. She is best known for her work on behalf of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law in the United States.

Early Life

Elizabeth Peratrovich was born in 1911 in the small Southeast Alaska town of Petersburg. Growing up, she experienced discrimination and racism, which fueled her passion for civil rights activism. After completing high school, she attended the University of Washington and later returned to Alaska to work as a teacher.

Activism

Peratrovich's activism began in the 1940s when she and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, became leaders in the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Together, they worked to address the discrimination that Alaska Natives faced in housing, education, and other areas.

In 1945, Peratrovich gave a powerful speech before Alaska's territorial legislature, advocating for anti-discrimination legislation. Her speech, which directly addressed the senators who had previously ignored Alaska Native rights, was instrumental in the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act.

Legacy

Elizabeth Peratrovich's activism and leadership paved the way for the civil rights movement in Alaska. Her work helped to bring attention to the discrimination and inequality that many Alaska Natives faced, and her legacy continues to inspire activists today.

In 1988, the Alaska Legislature designated February 16 as "Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" in honor of her contributions to civil rights in Alaska.

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# Elizabeth Peratrovich

Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit Alaska Native civil rights activist and a leader in the women's suffrage movement in Alaska. She is best known for her work on behalf of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law in the United States.

## Early Life

Elizabeth Peratrovich was born in 1911 in the small Southeast Alaska town of Petersburg. Growing up, she experienced discrimination and racism, which fueled her passion for civil rights activism. After completing high school, she attended the University of Washington and later returned to Alaska to work as a teacher.

## Activism

Peratrovich's activism began in the 1940s when she and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, became leaders in the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood. Together, they worked to address the discrimination that Alaska Natives faced in housing, education, and other areas.

In 1945, Peratrovich gave a powerful speech before Alaska's territorial legislature, advocating for anti-discrimination legislation. Her speech, which directly addressed the senators who had previously ignored Alaska Native rights, was instrumental in the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act.

## Legacy

Elizabeth Peratrovich's activism and leadership paved the way for the civil rights movement in Alaska. Her work helped to bring attention to the discrimination and inequality that many Alaska Natives faced, and her legacy continues to inspire activists today.

In 1988, the Alaska Legislature designated February 16 as "Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" in honor of her contributions to civil rights in Alaska.