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Elizabeth Peratrovich was a fighter for the rights and freedoms of Native people in Alaska. She was very persistent in her actions and has changed many policies and enacted regulations that guaranteed equality and respect to the people.
She was born on July 4th, 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska. She was a member of the Tlingit clan and her name there was Kaaxgal aat. She was adopted by Andrew and Mary Wanamaker since her parents died when she was at a very young age. Andrew served as a Presbyterian minister, which created a certain atmosphere in the home. The Elementary School that she went to was situated in Pittsburg and called Sheldon Jackson School. She was a graduate from Ketchikan High School and then went on to study at Western College of Education in Bellingham, Washington (Haycox, 1996).
In 1931 Elizabeth married Roy Peratrovich. They had three children, daughter Loretta and two sons, Roy Jr., and Frank. Elizabeth’s husband was a member of the Tlingit and worked at a cannery. They have built their lives in Klawock. Significantly enough, Roy Peratrovich became the mayor four times. Elizabeth was very much displeased with the fact how Native peoples were treated. It gave her great grievance that her children had to witness such treatment and grow up in a society that so openly discriminated against people who had most rights for the land. Herself and her husband were always looking for better living conditions and so they moved to Juneau. There, they have experienced and witnessed more discrimination and Elizabeth was starting to get fed up with it. Up to the 1930s, the population of Alaska was predominantly Native peoples. The white society had just started to arrive and it was later that they began to outnumber the Natives. They were often discriminated against, were denied the right to vote and to attend most public places. At that time, Elizabeth was already a known fighter for the Native’s rights but it was a very small contribution compared to the social norms of the time. Discrimination against Natives was predominant and expected in most places. In December 1941, Elizabeth Peratrovich, together with her husband and the vice-president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, sent a letter to the Governor about the outrages discrimination that was going on (Haycox, 1996). They have used the comparison to Jews and showed a similar pattern of segregation and unfair treatment. Their letter argued that “our native boys are being called upon to defend our beloved country, just as the White boys. There is no distinction being made there but yet when we try to patronize some business establishments we are told in most cases that natives are not allowed” (Murphee, 2012). This letter was addressed to Governor Gruening and he was a supporter of Native’s rights. He has already started to implement some changes, with mayors of Anchorage and of Douglas. They have used their influence in the communities to put down the signs that would not permit Natives to enter. In 1945 there was a senatorial debate on the passage of the Anti Discrimination Bill. Elizabeth Peratrovich was representing Alaska Native Sisterhood as Grand Camp President and was very logical and direct in her arguments. She held her composure very well, as some very negative things about the differences between races were mentioned. Some senators went as far as to call the Native people savages. This was when Elizabeth asked of why is it that the so called “savages” have to remind the White people about the human rights and equality? (Murphee, 2012). During the discussion, she took the stand and gave a speech which significantly changed things. A part of it was as follows: “Have you eliminated larceny or murder by passing a law against it? 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” (Murphee, 2012). Everyone was very much impressed with her arguments and demeanor and the bill was passed 11 to 5. The official date when the bill came into force was February 16, 1945. It would abolish all separation between Americans and make discrimination illegal. Even though this was a most direct step in the right direction, the discrimination did not stop. The system of governance and society were filled with discriminatory practices and it would prove very hard to root out. Elizabeth’s husband was very much involved in the territorial government, up until 1946 and at that time Elizabeth worked for the Territorial Treasurer’s office. She was also a part of the Legislature and the Juneau Credit Association. The whole time they were at Juneau, both Elizabeth and her husband were greatly participating in the affairs of the native groups. Elizabeth proved to be of great support and as such was the Grand President of the ANS for many years. During the time of her presidency, Elizabeth showed that her planning and strategies were well thought out and practical. One such example was when she had chosen 5 ladies to speak to the Senator from Nome about the discrimination and several [particular cases of it. She described the current state’s regulations on the treatment of Natives and it was surprising to the chosen girls since they were not aware of such policies. When they got to the office of the Senator, they all entered at the same time, in a way overwhelming the Senator. They told him how they were not being allowed to join the USO and gave other examples of discriminatory behavior towards the Native population. This proved to be an important strategic move, just as many others. It was one of the goals of the Native advocates and particularly Elizabeth and her husband to use as many political influences and connections as possible. They realized that in order to succeed in their fight, they must deal with people who have a positive predisposition towards the human rights violation that the Native peoples were experiencing. One such case was when Governor Gruening had a meeting with the presidents of ANB and ANS, who were Roy and Elizabeth where the further strategy for action was discussed. Elizabeth would spend a lot of time travelling to different legislatures and communities to educate people on how to behave towards the discrimination. She also would provide a plan of how to act in changing the policies and the general behavior that the Native population must reinforce. In the fight for the Native peoples’ rights the reference is made as far back as the Treaty of Cession of 1867, when the Russian government sold Alaska to the United States for 7.2 million dollars. The Native people already living in the territories were not consulted at all and there was nothing in the treaty that mentioned any territorial rights for them. Even with Elizabeth Peratrovich’s fight, the Aboriginal people of Alaska felt severe human rights violations all the way until 1950s. Elizabeth was alongside other individuals who lead an active opposition to the equal treatment violations and were rather successful in starting a movement that continues to this day. Elizabeth Peratrovich is remembered as being a well educated woman who knew what the value of her people’s traditions were and how much she was proud of her descent. She was a well organized and prospective leader who was able to see the future and outline the much needed course for action. The interesting thing is that having all these skills of a definite leader, she was the one who pushed her husband to involve himself in politics and government. She would be able to handle these positions herself but she was more of a manger and let her husband take the lead. She would be a great supporter in his affairs but would never be the one to take the credit for any changes. As they were both Grand presidents, they used their influence in the joined efforts to fight the discriminatory laws. It was obvious that Elizabeth was very smart and her analysis of the situation can be seen in the following lines:
“There are three kinds of persons who practice discrimination. First, the politician who wants to maintain an inferior minority group so that he can always promise them something. Second, the Mr. and Mrs. Jones who aren’t quite sure of their social position and who are nice to you on one occasion and can’t see you on others, depending on who they are with. Third, the great superman who believes in the superiority of the white race” (Banerjee, 2012).
The accomplishments that Elizabeth has gained did not end the fight for her people. When the bill was passed and the discriminatory policies were acknowledged, Elizabeth did not discontinue her movement. She was very much committed and supportive during World War II. She was an avid supporter of the Red Cross and would advocate for the prisoners of war and man and women fighting for justice and freedom. Elizabeth was the organizer of the Health and Sanitation Month, which had many supporters but unfortunately, the Office of Indian Affairs and the Territorial Health Department has not shown much cooperation (Case, 2012). Elizabeth developed and outlined the program that would be followed during the Health Month. She was greatly supported in her goals by the Executive Committee and the Indian Affairs of General Superintendent.
When people recall her, she is talked about as a woman who took care in her appearance. When she spoke she had great force to her and ability to convince. She was very charming but at the same time her reasoning and understanding of the matters were outstanding. She was very much involved with her people and the care for their wellbeing. Her secret to success is thought to be her relations with the public. She was able to find a way to involve herself in any issue and become a key figure in resolving and supporting the case. Her tone of voice was very confident but at the same time forceful and demanding, if something had to be decided. Education of the young generation was extremely important to Elizabeth and she was often heard speaking about the reforms that must take place in the education system. She was thought of as being mysterious and possessing strength that unlike others. It was as if she had a natural gift to protect people and the way she accomplished that was known only to her. She was a protector of her family and especially her children. She was trying to shield them from the discrimination that was going on at the time and has reached great results in doing so. She had the ability to use any products available and come up with recipes that were original and tasty. Elizabeth Jean Wannamaker Peratrovich died on December 1, 1958. (Case, 2012). She had a long battle with cancer and it was obvious how it had affected her in the last months. In 1988, the Alaska Legislature pronounced February 16th to be “The Annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.” It will always stay the day that she had signed the Anti-Discrimination Act that so gratefully benefited the whole Native population in the years to come. She is remembered as a determined and forceful representative of human rights, demanding justice and equality for all people. Also, the Alaska Native Sisterhood established the Elizabeth Peratrovich Award in her honor. In 1992, there was a renaming of the “B” Chamber in the Alaska House of Representatives in Elizabeth’s honor. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s actions have shown to be those of a true believer. She did not allow any doubts or obstacles to stand in her way.
References
Banerjee, S. (2012). Arctic voices: Resistance at the tipping point. New York, United States: Seven Stories Press.
Case, D. (2012). Alaska Natives and American laws: Third edition. Fairbanks, United States: University of Alaska Press.
Haycox, S. (1996). An Alaska anthology: interpreting the past. Seattle, United States: University of Washington Press.
Murphee, D. (2012). Native America 3 volume set: A state-by-state historical encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, United States: ABC-CLIO.
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