The Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) Grand Camp organizations brought Alaska Native leaders together to celebrate the life and legacy of Elizabeth Kaaxgal.aat Peratrovich during a virtual event held Wednesday, February 16.

Peratrovich is remembered as a powerful Tlingit civil rights leader who served in the ANS alongside her husband Roy who served in the ANB. Elizabeth is honored for her work that helped pass the nation’s first anti-discrimination law. The State of Alaska recognizes February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Peratrovich was Tlingit, Yéil (Raven), L’ukaax.ádi (Sockeye).

Sealaska proudly supports the continued work and efforts of the ANB and ANS. The organizations are hailed as the original champions of Native land and civil rights.

Among the speaker’s recognizing Elizabeth Peratrovich was Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott. “I love putting myself in the room with her at that moment. She was beyond courageous. She was smart. She was passionate. She knew that the ANB and the ANS were behind her. She knew what she was doing was the right thing to do,” Mallott said. “She was the tip of the spear for the ANB and ANS.”