ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ

Feb. 16, 2023

Dear faculty, staff and students,

Please join me today in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, a holiday to honor an important leader in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ’s civil rights history. Peratrovich, a TÅ‚ingit woman and Grand President of the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native Sisterhood, was instrumental in passing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. This groundbreaking legislation banned discrimination based on race in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ, making ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ the first state or territory in the United States to enact an anti-discrimination law.

There are various ways all of us at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ can work to build on Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy. One such opportunity is supporting the . Once built, the center will serve as a central gathering place for our ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native and Indigenous programs, including classes, services and activities. The Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center will serve not only our ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native and Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, but will create a place of belonging and learning for all those at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.

ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ supports programs that promote inclusion and belonging. You can find many such programs offered through our Nanook Diversity and Action Center, including the celebration of Elizabeth Petrovitch Day at the Wood Center multi-level lounge tables today from noon to 1 p.m. and online at the NDAC and pages. Please join me in doing your part to make ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ a place of belonging for all people on Elizabeth Peratrovich Day and every day!

Thank you for choosing ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.

Dan White, chancellor