Libraries, Archives, Museums: Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska's 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act: Home

State Resources - Human Rights

Racism's Frontiers: The Untold Story of Discrimination and Division in Alaska by Alaska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Call Number: E78.A3U48 2002
Publication Date: 2002
A fact finding report of the Alaska Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights prepared for the information and consideration of the Commission.
Alaska Native/tribal rights protection plan : our children, our spirit, our life : Alaska Federation of Natives, 37th annual convention by Alaska Federation of Natives. Convention (37th : 2002 : Anchorage, Alaska)
Call Number: E78.A3A4317 2002
Publication Date: 2002?
This book explores the then current legal status, laws, right, social conditions, and tribal government as they relate to Alaskan government.

Classroom Resources

_Kaa_xgal.aat = Elizabeth Peratrovich (Sealaska Heritage Institute) by Douglas, Nancy
Call Number: E99.T6T4297
Publication Date: 2006
Unit Lessons - Teaching Elizabeth Peratrovich for grade levels K-5. Unit lessons text and CD-ROM in binder pockets. (PDF)
_Kaa_xgal.aat = Elizabeth Peratrovich (Library Copy) by Douglas, Nancy
Call Number: E99.T6T4297
Publication Date: 2006
Teacher Resources - Teaching Elizabeth Peratrovich for grade levels K-5. Unit lessons text and CD-ROM in binder pockets.

For Historical Research - Peratrovich Family Papers

Please go to the online catalog or Alaska State Library - Historical Collections for the finding aid which offers detailed information about these collections.

The first collection consists of 7 folders of information about the collection from 1939 to 1988. The second collection consists of 6 linear feet of boxes of material about the Peratrovich family.

Below are a series of references to specific notable items within these collections.

Peratrovich family in Alaska, 1880s-2001 [manuscript] by Peratrovich, Evelyn
Call Number: 0205 MS
The collection consists of a set of albums that includes family members: John, Jack, James, Nick, Robert, Josie, Frank, Jennie, Ann, Agnes, Roy, Bertha, Sarah, Roseanna, and George. Also includes research on Tlingit-Haida and Sealaska, Celebration 90, 92, 94, 96 (Juneau), Wrangell Institute, Sitka Training School, and Chemawa School (Oregon), research notes on Klawock and Kake including some U.S. census materials and official documents. Tlingit names are provided in the collection when known. [Partially taken from notes written by Evelyn T. Peratrovich, 2003].
Box 1 - Turn to section entitled Roy.
Call Number: 0205 #5B
You will find information on the creation of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, specifically its signing into law by then Governor Cowper. Notably, there is an image of, going left to right: Roy Peratrovich Jr, Frank Peratrovich Sr., Nettie (Frank's wife), Betsy (Roy's daughter), Governor Cowper in center, Roy Peratrovich Jr. in center , John Gilbert and Frank Jr (Frank's son) of this event.
Peratrovich family papers, 1939-1988. [manuscript] by Peratrovich family
Call Number: 0129 MS
Folder 1 p. 18 - 28
These pages detail a request made to Anthony J. Dimond, delegate of the Alaska Congress, House of Representatives on October 15, 1942 for access to legislation that other States had passed that dealt with issues of race discrimination. Mr. Dimond's response enclosed brief references from over 20 states that worked on relevant legislation.
Folder 2 p. 32 - 35
More extensive photostatic copies of legislation on race discrimination delivered to Roy Peratrovich from then Congressional delegate Anthony J. Dimond.
Folder 2 p. 65
You will find an image of a newspaper published shortly after Elizabeth Peratrovich's speech entitled "Superior race theory hit in hearing" from the Daily Alaska Empire.
Folder 2 p. 66
The Juneau Empire provides a report on the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act.
Folder 2 p. 68
This page provides an in depth description of the Anti Discrimination Act.
Folder 3 P. 79
Information detailing the election of Elizabeth Peratrovich to the Indian Executive Council.
Folder 4 p. 99 - 110
What follows in these pages is an account of the 65th annual convention of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood from Hydaburg. Keynote address is by Roy Peratrovich detailing the struggle for fair and equal Alaska Native rights.
Folder 5 p. 120
The Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood Grand Camp honors Elizabeth Peratrovich.
Folder 5 p. 122
Vern Metcalfe recaps the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.
Folder 5 p. 160
Reported through the Tundra Times is a quote by Mr. Gruening honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich's actions in the leadup to the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act. He states that she was "on hand every day in the hallways," otherwise "it would have never passed."
Folder 5 p. 161
In response to an editorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which stated that he helped in the fight for equal rights in Alaska as well as the continental United States, Roy Peratrovich issues a statement seeking that the words "in Alaska" be removed. Roy Peratrovich goes on further to state that, "with respect," many Native leaders nor Dr. King did not aid in the fight for equal rights for Alaska Natives.
Folder 6 p. 163
SB499 for Elizabeth Day is proposed.
Folder 6 p. 168
Executive Proclamation on SB499 is issued.
Folder 6 p. 175
SB499 for the creation of Elizabeth Day is voted for on 05/06/88.

Guide Author

This guide was compiled by former Alaska State Library Intern, Jason Russell.

Portrait of Elizabeth Peratrovich

Alaska State Library - Historical Collections
ASL-P01-3294

External Web Sites of Interest

AlaskaFAQ - Elizabeth Peratrovich
Information previously collected in response to your questions about Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska's 1945 Anti-Descrimination Act.
For the Rights of All: ending Jim Crow in Alaska (DVD)
Author: Silverman, Jeffry Lloyd. Pub date: c2009.
See the viewers guide (PDF) from the Juneau Chapter of the League of Women Voters.
Sealaska Heritage Institute
Sealaska Heritage Institute seeks to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Cultures.