Elizabeth Peratrovich Quotes

The ability to understand without condemnation, accept our friends and enemies in the light of their weaknesses, is something we must acquire early in life in order to find happiness in this world.

Tlingit Elder Richard Stitt once said public speaking is 'like waving a broom in a crowded rom.' It was easy for one's words to affect people in unintended, potentially negative, ways. -Roy Peratrovich, Jr.

Elizabeth walked slowly down the aisle with her head held high. As she turned to face the assembled legislators, the audience strained forward, pulled by her calm but powerful presence. If anyone in the room thought the young woman before them would mince her words, they quickly realized their mistake.

There are three kinds of persons who practice discrimination against Indians and other Native people. First, the politician who wants to maintain an inferior minority group so he can always promise them something. Second, the Mr. and Mrs. Jones who aren't quite sure of their social position and who are nice to you on one occasion and can't see you on others, depending on who they are with. Third, the great superman who believes in the superiority of the white race. - Elizabeth Peratrovich

The fighter in velvet gloves had punched more powerfully than any boxer. Yet her only weapon had been her carefully chosen words delivered with elegance and integrity.

Rich and poor, strong and weak gave their help in this difficult fight. All this without hate, notoriety, or malice. Finally, Alaska pulled herself out of her deep unnecessary sleep and the laws began to change. Why? Because people were awakened to their obligation to their fellow men. A few times some people tried to discriminate against us but that is almost impossible to do when the object of such action feels no inferiority.

In naming Gallery B for Elizabeth, we honor her today for her vision, her wisdom, and her courage in speaking out for what she believed to be right. She symbolizes the role the gallery plays in the legislative process. She reminds us that a single person, speaking from the heart, can affect the future of all Alaskans. -Fran Ulmer