Feb. 16, 2021

Dear faculty, staff and students,

Please join me today in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, which honors an important leader in Alaska’s civil rights history. Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman and Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, was instrumental in passing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 that banned discrimination based on race in Alaska. The Anti-Discrimination Act was the first state or territorial anti-discrimination law enacted in the United States. 

There are many ways that we at UAF can work to build on Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy. The Troth Yeddha’ Legacy Initiative is an ongoing project to expand programming for Alaska Native and Indigenous students, revitalize Alaska Native languages, and better integrate Indigenous knowledge into research. The Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center, as part of the Legacy Initiative, will serve as a cultural and learning space for all who seek it. At UAF we seek to support programs that promote inclusion and belonging. Please do your part to contribute to belonging for all people at UAF on Elizabeth Peratrovich day and every day!

Thank you for working to make UAF a place of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring.

Thank you for choosing UAF.

Dan White, chancellor