Feb. 16, 2024
Dear faculty, staff and students,
Please join me today in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, a day that honors a
significant leader in Ӱ’s civil rights history. Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman
and Grand President of the Ӱ Native Sisterhood, was instrumental in passing the
Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 that banned discrimination based on race in Ӱ.
The Anti-Discrimination Act was the first state or territorial anti-discrimination
law enacted in the United States.
As we reflect on Peratrovich's legacy, there are numerous ways we can continue to
build on her work at Ӱ. Our initiative to build the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies
Center strives to create a central Ӱ Native gathering place with classes, services
and activities that affirm Ӱ Native culture and contributions across Ӱ.
At the Indigenous studies center, leaders, students, scientists, and community members
will finally have a place to gather together and continue to make Ӱ a place of belonging
for all. You can learn more and get involved on the Troth Yeddha’ Initiative website.
Next week, Ӱ will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival of Native Arts from Feb. 22-24. This year’s theme, “Troth Yeddha’ Forever: Our Ways of Life” honors
the ancestral lands of the Lower Tanana Dene where our Troth Yeddha’ campus is located.
I encourage you to participate in this unique, student-run event. Thank you to everyone
who makes this event possible!
Thank you for working to make Ӱ a place of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring.
Thanks for choosing Ӱ.
Dan White, chancellor
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