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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 561 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 561

  Designating February 16, 2024, as ``National Elizabeth Peratrovich 
                                 Day''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            February 13 (legislative day, February 12), 2024

 Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Designating February 16, 2024, as ``National Elizabeth Peratrovich 
                                 Day''.

Whereas Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, Tlingit, was a member of the 
        Lukaax_.adi clan in the Raven moiety with the Tlingit name of 
        K_aax_gal.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 creating 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, 2024, 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.
                                 <all>
```