Women in Alaska's History - A speech by Lt. Governor Ulmer honoring Mrs. Peratrovich

A speech by Lt. Governor Ulmer honoring Mrs. Peratrovich

Elizabeth Peratrovich was, and still is, an important role model--not only for Native women, but for all women and men who want to do something about injustice. Her courage and her willingness to speak out against dissemination reminds us, even today, that one person, speaking from the heart, can make a difference.

Elizabeth Peratrovich sat in the gallery and listened to the very contentious debate; listened to one senator after another express why it was not a good idea to let Natives have equal rights in Alaska. The record shows how Insensitive they were, when one senator asked:

"Who are these people, barely out of savagery, who want to associate with us whites with 5,000 years of recorded civilization behind us?"

It's been 51 years but Elizabeth's words still ring clear:

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

Speaking on behalf of the Alaska Native Sisterhood she gave a very personal description of what living with prejudice meant. What it meant to see signs outside of businesses that said "No dogs or Natives allowed;" how it felt when she and her husband could not rent the house of their choice because landlords would not rent to Natives; what it meant to be segregated at the local movie theater or not allowed to dance on the same floor as other white couples.

On that February day in 1945 33-year old Elizabeth Peratrovich stilled the voices of discrimination. Her testimony turned the hearts and minds of legislators when no one else could. The Senate passed the bill and the signs barring Natives came down all over the state.

As we celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich day, let us remember that we should always rise to the occasion and speak out against discrimination, whether it be in the halls of government to the local street corner. In so doing, we will keep her legacy alive.

Left Arrow Back to Resources Page