Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day: Honoring a Titan of American Civil Rights

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is a profound celebration of courage, eloquence, and the relentless pursuit of equality. Observed annually across the United States, this day honors Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman whose advocacy led to the passage of the nation’s first anti-discrimination law. While many Americans are familiar with the civil rights milestones of the 1960s, Peratrovich’s work began decades earlier in the territory of Alaska, setting a moral and legal precedent for the entire country. This day serves as a reminder that the fight for justice often begins with a single voice speaking truth to power in the face of systemic prejudice.

What makes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day truly special is its focus on the intersection of Indigenous rights and broader American civil liberties. It is a day that bridges the gap between the historical struggles of Alaska Natives and the overarching American narrative of liberty for all. By celebrating her life, we acknowledge a history that was long overlooked—one where a Native woman stood before a room of powerful legislators and used their own "Bill of Rights" to shame them into action. It is a day of pride for the Tlingit people and an educational cornerstone for all Americans to learn about the diverse heroes who shaped the democratic landscape of the United States.

The essence of this commemoration lies in the power of the "impassioned speech." On this day, we reflect on how Peratrovich dismantled the arguments of segregationists not with violence, but with a sharp, undeniable logic and a dignity that demanded respect. Her legacy is not just a statue or a date on a calendar; it is the living reality of legal equality that she helped forge. As we observe this day, we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over the "evil of discrimination," as she famously termed it, and we recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of ensuring that every citizen is treated with the dignity they deserve.

When is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in 2026?

In 2026, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day will be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026. There are currently 44 days remaining until this important commemoration.

The date of the holiday is fixed. It is observed every year on February 16th to mark the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act was signed into law. Regardless of which day of the week it falls on, the historical weight of February 16th remains the focal point of the celebration, ensuring that the specific moment of legislative victory is never forgotten.

The Historical Significance: A Voice That Changed a Nation

To understand the weight of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, one must look back at the social climate of Alaska in the early 1940s. At that time, Alaska was not yet a state, but a territory where segregation was a daily reality for Indigenous people. It was common to see signs on storefronts and restaurant doors that read "No Natives Allowed," "No Dogs or Indians," or "We cater to white trade only." Alaska Natives were often restricted to the back of movie theaters or denied service in hospitals and hotels.

Elizabeth and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, experienced this discrimination firsthand. When they moved to Juneau in 1941, they encountered difficulty finding housing because of their heritage. Rather than accepting this second-class citizenship, they began a concerted effort to change the law. As leaders of the Alaska Native Sisterhood and the Alaska Native Brotherhood, they spent four years lobbying territorial legislators, writing letters, and organizing their community.

The climax of this struggle occurred on February 16, 1945. The Alaska territorial legislature was debating the Anti-Discrimination Act. The opposition was vocal and derogatory. Senator Allen Shattuck famously questioned why "savages" who had only recently come into contact with civilization should be treated as equals to those with "5,000 years of recorded history."

Elizabeth Peratrovich, who was sitting in the gallery knitting, rose to provide rebuttal testimony. Her response was a masterclass in civil rights rhetoric. She famously stated:

"I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with 5,000 years of recorded history behind them of our Bill of Rights."

She went on to describe the daily humiliations faced by her people, from being barred from businesses to seeing their children treated as inferior. When asked if the proposed law would eliminate discrimination, she offered a pragmatic and profound answer: "No law will eliminate crimes, but at least you as legislators can assert to the world that you recognize the evil of the present situation and speak your intent to help us overcome discrimination."

Her testimony was met with thunderous applause. The Alaska Senate passed the bill by an 11-5 vote that day. Governor Ernest Gruening signed the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 into law shortly thereafter—nearly 20 years before the United States Congress would pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This made Alaska the first state or territory in the union to enact such comprehensive civil rights protections.

Recognition Status: From Territory to Nation

The journey toward national recognition of Elizabeth Peratrovich began in her home state. In 1988, the Alaska State Legislature established February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to honor her contributions to the state and its people. For decades, it remained a cherished local holiday, primarily celebrated within the borders of the Last Frontier.

However, the magnitude of her impact eventually gained national attention. In 2020, the United States Mint released a $1 coin featuring Peratrovich’s likeness as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. The coin depicts her alongside the Tlingit Raven moiety symbol, a permanent numismatic tribute to her role in American history.

The formal national recognition of the day reached a milestone in February 2023. Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski introduced legislation in the United States Senate to formally recognize the holiday on a national level. This effort culminated in 2025 when Congress designated the day through Senate Resolution 92. This resolution encourages all Americans to commemorate Peratrovich's advocacy and to reflect on the progress made—and the work that remains—in the pursuit of equality for Alaska Natives and all Native Americans.

Today, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day stands alongside other significant civil rights commemorations in the American calendar, ensuring that her story is taught in schools and honored in the halls of government from Washington, D.C., to the smallest villages in the Arctic Circle.

How the Day is Observed: Traditions and Customs

The observation of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day varies depending on the region, but it is always characterized by a sense of community and education.

In Alaska

In the state where her journey began, the day is deeply woven into the social fabric. Official Paid Holiday: For state employees and many Alaska Native organizations, such as the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), it is a paid day off. This allows families to spend time together and participate in community events. Community Gatherings: In cities like Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, as well as smaller communities like Sitka and Hoonah, potlucks, dances, and speeches are common. Elders share stories of the "pre-1945" era to ensure the younger generation understands the cost of the rights they enjoy today. Gravesite Visits: Many people make a pilgrimage to the Evergreen Cemetery in Juneau, where Elizabeth is buried alongside her husband, Roy. Visitors often leave flowers, coins, or traditional Tlingit gifts at the gravesite as a mark of respect. Educational Programs: Schools throughout Alaska dedicate time to teaching Peratrovich’s story. Students often reenact her famous speech or write essays about what equality means to them in a modern context.

Across the United States

As the holiday gains national traction, observations have expanded: Museum Exhibits: Institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian often highlight her story through special exhibits or digital presentations. Civil Rights Forums: Law schools and civil rights organizations use the day to host webinars and panel discussions on the history of anti-discrimination law and the unique legal status of Indigenous nations. Social Media Advocacy: Native American activists and allies use hashtags like #ElizabethPeratrovichDay to share her quotes, photos of the Peratrovich $1 coin, and information about current issues facing Indigenous communities.

Practical Information for 2026

If you are planning to observe Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in 2026, here is what you need to know:

Date: February 16, 2026 Regional Variations: If you are in Alaska, expect many government offices and Native-run businesses to be closed. In the rest of the United States, most federal and state offices will remain open, as it is a "national commemoration day" rather than a federal "bank holiday" like Christmas or Labor Day. Participation: You can participate by visiting local museums, attending virtual lectures, or simply taking the time to read the full text of the 1945 Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act. The $1 Coin: A popular way to honor the day is to use or gift the Elizabeth Peratrovich $1 coin. Many people keep these as mementos of her legacy.

The Legacy of the Peratrovich Family

It is important to note that Elizabeth did not work alone. Her husband, Roy Peratrovich, was her partner in both life and activism. A leader in the Alaska Native Brotherhood, Roy provided the organizational strength that complemented Elizabeth's oratorical brilliance. Together, they represented a formidable team that challenged the status quo.

Their activism was not limited to a single law. They fought for the right of Native children to attend public schools and for the recognition of Native land rights. Elizabeth's work continued until her untimely death from cancer on December 1, 1958, at the age of 47. Even in her final years, she remained a steadfast advocate for the Tlingit people and the principles of the Alaska Native Sisterhood.

Her children and grandchildren have continued this legacy, ensuring that the Peratrovich name remains synonymous with justice in Alaska. The family’s story is a testament to the power of a "grassroots" movement—starting from a kitchen table in Juneau and ending with a national day of recognition.

Is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day a Public Holiday?

The status of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day as a "day off" depends entirely on where you are located:

In Alaska: Yes, it is an official state holiday. State government offices, the Alaska court system, and many public institutions are closed. Many Alaska Native corporations and tribal organizations also observe this as a paid holiday for their employees. Most private businesses, however, remain open. Nationwide (Outside Alaska): It is a national commemoration day. This means it is a day of significance recognized by the federal government and Congress, but it is not a federal public holiday. Federal offices, post offices, and banks outside of Alaska will remain open. Schools in states other than Alaska typically remain in session, though many teachers incorporate the day into their history or social studies curriculum. Public Services: In Alaska, public transit may run on a modified holiday schedule in certain cities. In the rest of the U.S., public services operate as usual.

Regardless of whether it is a day off work, the significance of the day remains the same. It is a moment for all Americans to pause and honor a woman who saw a wrong and had the courage to right it. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy reminds us that democracy is not a spectator sport—it requires the active participation of those willing to stand up and speak, even when the room is filled with those who would rather they remain silent.

As we approach February 16, 2026, we look forward to celebrating the woman who reminded the world that "savagery" is not defined by one's ancestry, but by the refusal to recognize the inherent dignity of one's fellow human beings. Happy Elizabeth Peratrovich Day!