Title VII Indian Education Program

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, February 16

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day provides an opportunity to remind the public of the invaluable contribution of this Native Alaskan leader who was an advocate for Native citizens and their rights. This courageous woman could not remain silent about injustice, prejudice and discrimination. In 1988, the Alaska State Legislature established February 16 as the annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Anti-Discrimination Act. Recognize this Alaska Civil Rights Leader by bringing the history of Alaska civil rights into your classroom.

Related materials

The Title VII Indian Education Program has regalia that can be checked out through the resource library. Visit the ASD Education Center to browse the collection.

Governor Ernest Gruening signing the Anti-Discimination Bill, 1945. Photo courtesy Anchorage Museum of History & Art

On the Web

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day »
Get history and ideas for teaching Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in the classroom

• Student activities
• Teacher resources

Alaskool »
A history of Elizabeth Peratrovich

Elizabeth Peratrovich Movie: Birth of Civil Rights »
Watch a short movie about this activist's role in passing Alaska's anti-discrimination act

National Women’s History Museum »
A biography of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich (1911-1958)

For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska »
Learn about a new film that explores the story of Alaska Natives who fought for the rights of all

Sealaska Heritage Institute – Kaaxgal.aat, Elizabeth Peratrovich Curriculum »
Download a curriclum unit and teacher resources for grades K-5

Books

These can all be found within the district - most are located within the Title VII Indian Education Resource Library and at various school sites. Check the WebCat library catalog to find a copy at a school near you or stop by Title VII library at the ASD Education Center. A link to Amazon is provided here in order to read a description of the text; however ASD does not specifically endorse Amazon.

Video Recordings