The Ravaged Forest

A Native Woman's Journey to Justice is a narrative biography about a Chehalis woman who rises from poverty on the reservation to own a successful logging company. Facing historic oppression of her people, Helen (Mitchell) Sanders challenges a male-dominated industry and gross government mismanagement.

The story takes a dramatic turn when she discovers devastating logging practices on Indian land. Determined to protect her heritage and timberlands, she spearheads a major lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

Sanders didn't just fight for timber rights, salmon habitat, or reservation autonomy. She motivated a movement toward justice for Native Americans who were taken advantage of, neglected or ignored - and had their resources exploited. This inspiring story and ultimate victory encompasses so much more than ruined forestland. It opens the door for others to seek justice.