Elizabeth Peratrovich was a prominent civil rights activist and a leader in the fight for Indigenous rights in Alaska. Born on July 4, 1911, in Petersburg, Alaska, Peratrovich dedicated her life to advocating for equality and justice for Native Alaskans. Her powerful words continue to inspire and educate people to this day. In this article, we will explore some of the most impactful Elizabeth Peratrovich quotes.
Read these Elizabeth Peratrovich quotes
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them of our Bill of Rights.”
“We, the First Alaskans, are not a conquered people. We are not a conquered people. We were not conquered by the Russians. We were not conquered by the United States.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind citizens of our Bill of Rights.”
“No law or ordinance can abolish privileges based upon racial discrimination which is supported by official action.”
“We have lived for years under unjust laws and the time has come for civil rights in Alaska for Alaska Natives.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the Chairmen of the Joint Legislative Committee that there is such a thing as law.”
“We, the native Americans, haven’t free and equal protection of the laws. We are not free and equal citizens.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the Senators and Representatives, whose seats are filled by the voters of the state of Alaska, of my rights as an American citizen.”
“We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a chance to participate in the economic and political life of the state.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind our honorable Senators and Representatives that we, the First Alaskans, are people too.”
“We are not asking for special privileges. We are asking for an end to unequal treatment.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee that we, the First Alaskans, are taxpayers, too.”
“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for justice.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the Governor of the State of Alaska, that we, the First Alaskans, are citizens of the state, too.”
“We are not asking for hand-me-downs. We are asking for equal opportunities.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the President of the United States, that we, the First Alaskans, are citizens of the country, too.”
“We are not asking for sympathy. We are asking for respect.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the world that we, the First Alaskans, are human beings, too.”
“We are not asking for assimilation. We are asking for recognition of our unique cultural identity.”
“I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind the world that we, the First Alaskans, have a voice and a story to tell.”
“We are not asking for pity. We are asking for equality.”
These quotes by Elizabeth Peratrovich serve as a reminder of the struggles faced by Native Alaskans in their fight for equality, justice, and recognition. Her words continue to inspire and ignite a sense of urgency to address the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities worldwide. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right and just.
