Elizabeth Peratrovich: Champion for Native Rights

Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit woman from Alaska who became a powerful voice for equality and civil rights. She was born on July 4, 1911, in Petersburg, Alaska, and adopted by Andrew and Mary Wanamaker, who raised her in the Tlingit community. Growing up, Elizabeth saw how Alaska Natives were often treated unfairly. Signs reading “No Natives Allowed” appeared on doors, and discrimination was common in public places. These injustices motivated her to fight for change.

Fighting for Fairness

In 1941, Elizabeth and her husband Roy tried to find a home in Juneau but were denied because they were Native. This personal experience fueled their determination to take action. Together, they joined the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood—organizations dedicated to improving life for Alaska Natives. The Peratroviches worked tirelessly to raise awareness about discrimination and to push for an anti-discrimination law in the Alaska Territorial Legislature.

A Historic Speech

In 1945, Elizabeth gave a powerful speech before the Alaska Senate during the debate over the Anti-Discrimination Act. When one senator claimed that “natives are not equal to whites,” Elizabeth courageously responded, asking, “Who do you mean by ‘we’? You do not speak for me.” Her words moved the lawmakers, and the bill passed—the first anti-discrimination law in the United States, almost 20 years before the national Civil Rights Act.

Legacy of Equality

Elizabeth Peratrovich continued to advocate for Native rights and equality until her death in 1958. Her courage and leadership changed Alaska’s laws and inspired future generations to stand up against injustice. Today, February 16 is celebrated as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska, honoring her lasting impact on civil rights and human dignity.

$1 coin honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich

Discussion Questions

1. What experiences motivated Elizabeth Peratrovich to fight for equality?
2. How did her 1945 speech influence the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act?
3. Why was this law such an important moment in U.S. history?
4. How can individuals today follow Elizabeth Peratrovich’s example in standing up for fairness?

Glossary

• Tlingit: An Indigenous people native to the coastal regions of Alaska and Canada.
• Discrimination: Unfair treatment of people based on race, religion, gender, or background.
• Legislature: A group of elected officials who make laws.
• Advocate: A person who publicly supports a cause or policy.
• Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to equal treatment and protection under the law.

Five Interesting Facts

• Elizabeth was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1911.
• She was the first Alaska Native to help pass a civil rights law in the United States.
• Her image appears on the Alaska $1 coin issued in 2020.
• Elizabeth and her husband were leaders in both the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood.
• Alaska celebrates Elizabeth Peratrovich Day every February 16.

Timeline

• 1911: Born in Petersburg, Alaska.
• 1931: Married Roy Peratrovich.
• 1941: Denied housing because of Native heritage, inspiring activism.
• 1945: Gave historic speech; Anti-Discrimination Act passed.
• 1958: Passed away in Seattle, Washington.
• 1988: Alaska declared February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.
• 2020: Featured on a U.S. dollar coin honoring her legacy.