Governor, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan recognize Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan honored to recognize February 16 as “Elizabeth Peratrovich Day,” a national recognition celebrates the historic Alaska civil rights leader who played an integral role in the Alaska Territorial Legislature’s passage the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945—decades before the signing of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This is the third consecutive year that Elizabeth Peratrovich Day will be nationally recognized.

Born in Petersburg, Alaska, on July 4, 1911, Peratrovich was an Alaska Native woman of the Tlingit nation who was instrumental in the campaign against ending the discrimination that beset the Alaska territory.

Though Alaska Natives became citizens in 1924, fighting in World War II, and paying taxes, they were consistently discriminated against and had restrictions placed on where they could live, receive medical care, and attend school. Elizabeth and her husband, Roy, fought tirelessly for changes, and after four years of penning legislation, enlisting the help of other Alaska Natives, and lobbying territorial legislators for support of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law in Alaskan history and the first of its kind enacted in the United States.

Peratrovich continued her humanitarian work championing civil rights until her death on December 1, 1958, at the age of 47.

“Whether it be her work to integrate public schools, laying the groundwork for ANCSA, or securing the right to vote for Alaska Natives, Elizabeth Peratrovich left an indelible mark on Alaska’s history,” said Senator Murkowski. “Senator Sullivan and I are honored to lead this resolution in Congress to nationally commemorate her extraordinary contributions to Alaska.”

“Elizabeth Peratrovich changed Alaska’s history—and our country’s history—for the better, fighting tirelessly for racial equality decades before the passage of the national Civil Rights Act in Congress,” said Senator Sullivan. “Her courage and leadership was a shining light in a dark chapter of history when Alaska Native people were routinely discriminated against and denied equal rights in our state. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy as a civil rights leader continues to inspire generations of Alaskans to speak out against injustice and listen to voices that may be silenced or ignored. I look forward to the unanimous passage of our resolution for the third year in a row to recognize February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day nationwide—an incredible, fitting tribute to this great Alaskan and American.”

“Many consider her the face of civil rights in Alaska, leaving behind a strong and inspiring legacy, and will forever be a woman of distinction, exceptional courage, and a beacon of hope to many,” wrote Governor Mike Dunleavy in his proclamation marking February 16, 2025 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, encouraging all Alaskans to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Elizabeth Peratrovich and her work to eliminate discrimination and bring about equal rights in Alaska.