Flight of the Raven
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Akmrb
N 61° 13.101 W 149° 53.530
6V E 344685 N 6790545
Alaska passed the US's first antidiscrimination law in 1945. "No dogs, no natives" was the usual treatment.
Waymark Code: WM4769
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 07/17/2008
Views: 44
FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN
Native Alaskan legend tells how Raven enlightened the People when he stole the sun from an ancient Chief who had kept it hidden in a box. Through clever trickery Raven seized the sun, but as he escaped up through the smoke hole of the Chief’s lodge carrying the bright sun in his beak, the rising smoke turned Raven’s feathers black.
Roy and Elizabeth Peratrovich, Tlingit Indians of Southeastern Alaska, were leaders of the Alaskan Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood during the time when discrimination against Alaskan Natives was common practice. It was Elizabeth's moving speech to the Territorial Senators during the final hearing on the Anti-Discrimination Bill on February 8, 1945, that swayed the votes necessary to pass it 11 to 5. During Elizabeth’s speech, the Senate President asked her if she thought passage of the bill would eliminate discrimination. Elizabeth replied eloquently:
"Do your laws against larceny and even murder prevent these crimes? 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."
Primarily through the tireless efforts of Roy and Elizabeth Peratrovich, and with full support from the ANB and ANS, Alaska enacted one of the first anti-discrimination laws in the United States on February 16, 1945. A new era in Alaska's racial relations had begun.
In recognition of their work, the State of Alaska designated February 16th as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, and the Municipality of Anchorage created the Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich Park in their memory. Roy was a member of the Eagle Clan and Elizabeth was a Raven:
Supported by the strength and courage of Eagle, Raven again brought light to the world.
Sculpture by their son, Roy A. Peratrovich Jr. of the Raven Clan
Civil Right Type: Not listed
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