Civil rights icon Elizabeth Peratrovich honored with new cedar bench
Posted by Katherine Rose | Jul 6, 2021
Woodworker Zach LaPerriere stands beside the yellow cedar bench honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich. The photograph was taken in March, mid-project. The completed bench was featured during the weekend’s Fourth of July festivities to celebrate Peratrovich’s birthday, July 4, 1911. (KCAW/Rose)
Despite the absence of an official fireworks show, Sitka’s Fourth of July was celebrated with the usual festivities this year. But the 4th day of the month marks another important occasion: Elizabeth Peratrovich’s birthday. Some Sitkans honored the Alaska Native civil rights leader with a new and useful monument.
Governor Dunleavy Recognizes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day Governor Dunleavy Recognizes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day
(Juneau, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has proclaimed February 16, 2021 as “Elizabeth Peratrovich Day” in Alaska.
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, an Alaska Native woman of the Tlingit Nation, set Alaska on the path of ensuring that every man, woman, and child is afforded equal opportunity and protection from discrimination. Leaving a permanent mark on Alaska’s history, Mrs. Peratrovich persistently campaigned against the pattern of discrimination against Alaska Natives that plagued the Alaska territory; and
WHEREAS, despite being granted citizenship in 1924, having fought alongside white comrades in World War II, and paying taxes, among other things, Alaska Natives were consistently discriminated against and restricted on where they could eat, live, receive medical care, and attend school; and