The Ravaged Forest: A Native Woman's Journey to Justice [B1202-PB]

2024 HC in nice clean condition. A narrative biography about a Chehalis woman (now age 97) 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, and reservation autonomy. She motivated a movement toward justice for Native Americans who were being 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.

Helen Sanders and her biographer, Sandra Crowell, were featured in an August 10, 2025 JOLT article commemorating Helen Sander's receipt of The Women in American History Award, presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). You can read the article at www.thejoltnews.com/stories/honoring-helen-sanders-with-the-women-in-american-history-award,25984.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Fascinating story of a Native woman who made history. This story needed to be recorded for posterity, and Crowell did a wonderful job capturing Helen's personality, perseverance, and legacy."; "Strong women change the world. This true story about an incredibly determined Native American woman is well researched and interwoven with wisdom. This takes place in modern times yet is based on inequalities long standing. Pictures with captions illustrate the narrative. I have met Helen, now in her nineties and she is still incredibly clear about her history!"; "I absolutely loved The Ravaged Forest. Helen Sanders was a pioneer and trailblazer for Native women and tribes. Her work paved the way for other tribes to stand up for their rights in the logging industry. She took on the BIA with power and grit. What a woman! Crowell did an outstanding job telling Helen's story. This book inspired me beyond measure."