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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 26, 1991
CONTACT:  BETSY PERATROVICH, (907) 263-5153

ESSAY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

Seventeen-year old Kim Willis recently received a first place award for her entry in "Continuing the Legacy," an essay contest sponsored by the Alaska Native Brotherhood's Camp 87.  Open to all Alaska Native seniors enrolled in the Anchorage School District, the competition was intended to promote awareness of the chosen theme for an Anchorage-area reception in honor of Elizabeth Peratrovich, a renowned civil rights activist who is best remembered for her work in support of Alaska's anti-discrimination legislation.  In 1988, the Alaska State Legislature designated February 16 as "Elizabeth Peratrovich Day," to posthumously recognize the Tlingit woman's "courageous, unceasing efforts to eliminate discrimination and bring about equal rights in Alaska," and in 1990, Peratrovich was the first to be inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.

Entrants for the essay contest were to focus on what "Continuing the Legacy" meant to them personally, as an Alaskan Native, with special emphasis on what they had done and/or would like to do to contribute to the enhancement of their heritage.  Willis, of Inupiat descent, expressed disappointment at having never been exposed to the history of the Alaska "Natives' struggle for equality."  She wrote, "When I read the material on Elizabeth Peratrovich, I was overwhelmed to find that people were treated so inhumanely.  In school, we learned about the Holocaust and racism involving blacks and some select minority groups.  Throughout all the time in elementary and junior high school learning about Alaska, no one has every taught or informed me of the extent of racism inflicted on Native Alaskans."

Willis believes knowledge is key to achieving success in today's world.  According to Willis, only "through early education" can Native Alaskans "begin sharing equal footing with other citizens."  She also says, "Early education must begin at the family level, then continue throughout elementary and higher education levels with strong positive Native parents, teachers, counselors, and others as role models."  Likewise, Peratrovich was a staunch supporter of education, and she encouraged her family and all Native people to obtain the best schooling they possibly could.  In this way, she felt they would be better prepared to help themselves in what she saw as a rapidly-changing world.

Willis hopes to attend Western Washington University, where she intends to pursue a degree in elementary education.  Following this, she plans to return to Alaska.  To help Kim achieve this goal, the ANB awarded her $500 towards the continuing education of her choice.  Accompanied by her parents, Tom and Juanita Willis, she received her award as part of the Elizabeth Peratrovich celebration held February 15 at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.  Master of ceremonies for the even was Gilbert Guiterrez, of the Sate of Alaska Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, and the program featured Niles Ceaser, of the Bureau of Indian Affairs;  Loretta Jenkins, of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People;  Eunice Boston, of the Alaska Black Caucus;  Frank Williams and Eric Morrison, of the ANB;  Rebecca Napoleon, of the Alaska Women's Commission;  The Reverend Simeon Arnakin;  and the Tlingit & Haida Dancers of Anchorage.  Also featured was Ted Mala, Commissioner of the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, who delivered a proclamation from Governor Walter Hickel which recalled the deeds of Peratrovich and reaffirmed the subsequent establishment of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.

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