Viewpoints
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day
By Janice Jackson
February 13, 2007
Tuesday PM
Local residents will have a chance on Friday to learn about Elizabeth
and Roy Peratrovich's significant contributions in advancing
civil rights in Alaska.
The ANB & ANS local camps are celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich
Day on Friday, February 16th, 2007, from 6-8 pm, at the SE Alaska
Discovery Center on Main Street. The Ketchikan Indian Community
and US Forest Service are also co-sponsoring this event.
Local students will read winning essays about Elizabeth Peratrovich,
and the famous Elizabeth Peratrovich speech will be recited by
Danielle Grams, Myrna Chaney & Corrine Velez.
Born July 4, 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska, Elizabeth was deeply
rooted in her Tlingit heritage. Along with her husband Roy, Elizabeth
is best known for her efforts to ensure the passage of the 1945
Anti-Discrimination Act by the Alaska Territorial Legislature.
Her moving and dramatic presentation before the Legislature on
February 8, 1945 was responsible for changing the views of outspoken
critics of the bill and the bill was passed 11 to 5. Peratrovich
continued her civil rights efforts until her death in 1958.
In 1988, the Alaska Legislature established February 16th as
The Annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day by Executive Proclamation.
Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) Grand President, Elizabeth Peratrovich,
worked tirelessly to overcome the prejudice and discrimination
toward Alaska Natives. Her work and testimony were instrumental
in the passage of the anti-discrimination law.
The Alaska Native Brotherhood & Sisterhood recognizes Elizabeth
Peratrovich Day every year, to highlight the contributions of
Elizabeth & Roy Peratrovich and the Alaska Native Brotherhood
& Sisterhood.
Everyone is welcome to the Elizabeth Peratrovich Day event, Friday,
February 16, 2007, from 6-8pm at the SE Alaska Discovery Center.
Janice Jackson
Ketchikan, AK
Received February 13, 2007 - Published February 13, 2007
About: "Janice Jackson
is a member of the local Alaska Native Sisterhood, and previously
held the position of First Vice President of the statewide ANS
Grand Camp."
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