The text of the resolution below is as of Feb 16, 2023 (Resolution Agreed to by Senate).
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 77
Designating February 16, 2023, as ``National Elizabeth Peratrovich
Day''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 16, 2023
Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Designating February 16, 2023, as ``National Elizabeth Peratrovich
Day''.
Whereas Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, Tlingit, was a member of the LukaaC.adi
clan in the Raven moiety with the Tlingit name of BaaCgal.aat (referred
to in this preamble as ``Elizabeth'') who fought for social equality,
civil liberties, and respect for Alaska Native and Native American
communities;
Whereas Elizabeth, who was born in 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska, experienced
discrimination as a Tlingit woman, and dedicated her life to creating a
better future for Alaska Natives;
Whereas, more than 6,000 patriotic Alaska Natives protected the United States
alongside non-Native Servicemen and women during World War II, despite
suffering from unjust discrimination;
Whereas, in 1941, Elizabeth and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, moved to Juneau,
the capital city of Alaska, to campaign tirelessly for the passage of
the anti-discrimination legislation of Ernest Gruening, the Governor of
Alaska, which would later result in the passage of the Anti-
Discrimination Act of 1945;
Whereas, in campaigning for the passage of anti-discrimination legislation,
Elizabeth persevered for several years traveling across the Alaska
Territory enabling, rallying, and uniting Alaska Natives to fight for
recognition that they are created equal to others and equally endowed
with ``unalienable Rights'';
Whereas Elizabeth was a powerful orator who envisioned unity and then spoke it
into existence through community advocacy and the support of the Alaska
Native Brotherhood and the Alaska Native Sisterhood;
Whereas Elizabeth testified strongly before the Alaska Territorial legislature
vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, passionately asking the
legislature, ``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.'';
Whereas the Alaska Territorial Legislature passed the Anti-Discrimination Act of
1945 on February 16, 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law
enacted in the history of the United States;
Whereas Elizabeth dedicated the rest of her life to create a better Alaska for
future generations;
Whereas Elizabeth tragically died of cancer in 1958, but her legacy has not been
forgotten;
Whereas, beginning in 1988, the State of Alaska has recognized February 16 as
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day; and
Whereas, in 2020, the United States Mint released the Elizabeth Peratrovich $1
coin to commemorate the significant impact that Elizabeth had on
advancing equality under the law in the United States: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates February 16, 2023, as ``National Elizabeth
Peratrovich Day'';
(2) calls on the people of the United States to observe
National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day by remembering the work of
Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich and other civil rights leaders;
and
(3) encourages the people of the United States and Members
of Congress to commemorate the life and civil rights advocacy
of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich by continuing the important
work of ensuring equality for Alaska Natives and Native
Americans.
