Centralia College to dedicate diversity plaque to Helen Sanders
The plaque honors her work locally for environmental and native rights.
Centralia College will unveil a new plaque in its Diversity Plaza on October 22 that
honors Helen Sanders of the Chehalis Tribe.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, at the Diversity Plaza (located between the TransAlta Commons and Kirk Library buildings) at Centralia College. A reception will follow.
Sanders played a pivotal role in securing a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision, United States v. Mitchell (1983), which established the federal government’s accountability in managing tribal lands and resources. She grew up on the Chehalis Reservation and witnessed destructive and deceptive logging practices on tribal land. She worked tirelessly to secure stronger safeguards for Native lands and the rights of tribal landowners.
“If ever there was a champion for change, it is Helen Sanders,” said Joy Anglesey, vice president of human resources and equity at Centralia College. “She didn't just break barriers for women and Native Americans. She challenged the very systems that created them. As a woman of Native descent, I am inspired by her courage, her determination, and the lasting legacy she created for generations to come.”
The Diversity Plaza is an extension of the work that started in 1991 with the installation of diversity plaques at the base of the college’s iconic clocktower. As part of TransAlta Commons building (completed in 2017), a Diversity Plaza was built outside with space for additional plaques honoring activists, artists, leaders, and champions of social change locally and regionally.
The Helen Sanders plaque is the third on the Diversity Plaza. A plaque honoring Freddie and Robert Neal was dedicated in 2019. A plaque honoring Rikkey Outumurro was dedicated in June. Recipients are chosen by the college’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Nominations can be made by anyone. Nominees are evaluated by the committee for their positive contributions to cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and understanding and/or awareness. Submit a nomination online.