Your Local Guide to Celebrating Women's History Month
By Cole Goodwin
Happy Women’s History Month! Here are some ways to celebrate locally.
Discover local history.
Discover the incredible stories of women who made history in the Columbia Gorge and the Mid-Columbia region. From the fierce warrior Colestah to the trailblazing politician Shemia Fagan, these women have left a lasting impact on our community.
Colestah (1800–1877) a member of the Yakama Native American tribe and one of the five wives of Chief Kamiakin. She had many talents and was known as a medicine woman, psychic, and warrior. In 1858, Colestah accompanied Kamiakin to the Battle of Four Lakes (also called the Battle of Spokane Plain), where she fought alongside him with a stone war club. When Kamiakin was injured, Colestah used her knowledge of traditional tribal medicine to care for him and nurse him back to health. Learn more here.
Harriet Redmond
Harriet “Hattie” Redmond (1862-1952) A black woman, wife, and activist who led suffragist efforts and who lived briefly in Hood River, Oregon. Her contributions to winning the right to vote for women in a state are especially poignant in light of her living in a state with codified black exclusion laws in its constitution. She was the president of the Colored Women’s Equal Suffrage Association. She also participated in the ORegon Colored Women’s Council and the Portland YMCA. Learn more here.
A mural design from the Northwest MuralFest.
The Sorosis Club, was the first all-women club in America and was started in 1869. The club saved the Surgeon’s Quarters and created the Fort Dalles Museum, which is the 2nd oldest museum in Oregon. The club also helped to establish the Carnegie Library in The Dalles, OR and Sorosis Park. Visit Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead for more information, and to view Sorosis Club members historical dress.
A photo of Marie Equi.
Marie Equi, MD (1872-1952) a lesbian suffragist from the 1890’s who plotted a course from working-class laborer to homesteader in The Dalles, OR, activist, and medical doctor.
““It was beyond the imagination of these people who repeatedly attacked me, that a professional woman of established practice and reputation, of some money and high standing in the community could set these aside and get out and work for her unfortunate sisters and brothers – therefore I must be insane.” - Marie Equi
Learn more here.
An infographic from The Women’s Foundation of Oregon.
Shizue Iwatsuki (1897-1984) a wife, mother, internationally recognized poet, nurse, volunteer, farm manager, and public servant from Hood River, Oregon who co-ran an apple orchard and strawberry fields in Hood River with her husband. She organized the Japanese Women’s Society to help immigrant women to learn American customs during a time of rising anti-Japanese sentiment in the community.
“He was kind to us before,
But now – the shopkeeper
Nervously refuses to serve us.”
- Shizue Iwatsuki
She and her husband were incarcerated in the World War II Japanese concentration camps.
Upon their return to Hood River she founded the Japanese Christian Women’s Society and served as President of the Northwest Women’s Society. Learn more here.
A mural design from the Northwest MuralFest.
Eleanor Todd Moffett Borg, (1910-2001) was a teacher, dancer, equestrian, and activist. She was a New York City Music Hall Rockette, and joined the WWII Women’s Army Corps as an aviation cadet. She taught generations of children in The Dalles and the gorge to dance and ride horses. She graduated college at the age of 90. Learn more here.
A mural design from the Northwest MuralFest.
Jeanne Hillis, (1917-2012) Prior to the The Dalles dam’s completion in 1957 Hillis worked relentlessly to make rubbings of petroglyphs that would soon be lost forever under water.
"I used a method that would not hurt the rocks," Hillis told the Seattle Times in 2003. "Sometimes it took me all day just to do one small one."
"Before the area was flooded, petroglyphs were obvious up and down the river," Hillis told the Seattle Times, "Unfortunately at that time they printed maps with locations on them. There was so much vandalism. So many people said they were just some old rocks. It's taken a long time for the education to get through to people that they are valuable."
Hillis was also a pilot and an award winning poet and chaired the committee for a larger Celilo Longhouse.
Learn more here. To view one of Hillis’s petroglyph rubbings and visit the Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead in The Dalles, OR.
An image of Nancy Russell at Lyle Cherry Orchard Trailhead from the Friends of the Gorge archive.
Nancy Russell, (1932-2008) the one woman force behind the creation of The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
“Nancy believed that the ultimate protection was public ownership,” said Bowen Blair of The Trust for Public Lands.
A backpacker and wildflower enthusiast, she had a deep love for the landscape which was further nurtured through the study of poetry, botany, and history. She dedicated 20 years of her life to ensure that the Columbia River Gorge would become a National Scenic Area. Learn more here and here or read A Force for Nature: Nancy Russell's Fight to Save the Columbia Gorge by Bowen Blair.
Lavina Washines, (1940-2011) a respected elder of the Kah-milt-pah, also known as the Rock Creek band, was the first female leader of the Yakama Nation. She could hunt, gather, fish, and drum and grew up speaking the traditional language of her people and also taught traditional language in public schools and served as an interpreter in the Sohappy salmon case. She was elected to the Yakama Nation Tribal Council in 1985 and became the chair of the tribal council from 2006-2008. She worked hard to prevent the diminishment of federal treaty language and to protect tribal rights. With the help of the Trust for Public Land she was able to facilitate the purchase of the Lyle Point or Nanainmi Waki Uulktt, "the place where the wind blows from two directions” for the tribe.
“This is a great day for the Yakamas -- to get the land returned back for access to our fishing right areas. The younger generation will continue to exercise their Creator-given right to our very important salmon. The U.S. government promised us with their honorable word to uphold their trust responsibility. All Yakamas will benefit with this accomplishment by the current Tribal Council officials,” said Washines of the historic purchase.
A mural in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame honoring Kim Marie Peyton.
Kim Marie Peyton, A.K.A. Kim McDonald, (1957-1986), was born in Hood River. She was an Olympic gold medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She died tragically at the age of 29. She was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, three years after her death. Learn more here.
Photo from Patricia Whitefoot’s podcast website.
Patricia Whitefoot, born in 1950 she is an indigenous elder, activist, advocate, educator, traditional food gatherer, and member of the Yakama Nation. She served as the President of the National Indian Education Association and was appointed as a member of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education by former U.S. President Barack Obama. She has served on the Yakama Nation Triabl Council and is one of the founding members of Iksiks Washanal’a “The Little Swans” dance group. The dance group has traveled nationally and wears red to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered indigenous Women. She is also the co-host of the War-Cry Podcast. Learn more here and here.
A photo from the Oregon Secretary of State website.
Shemia Fagan, born in 1981 she serves as Oregon’s 28th Secretary of State. She grew up in Dufur and The Dalles, Oregon. She has also served in the Oregon Senate and the Oregon House of Representatives. Learn more here.
A photo of Carina Miller.
Carina Miller, has made history as the Columbia River Gorge’s Commission’s first indigenous commissioner as a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.. She currently serves as the chair of the commission. Learn more here.
Celebrate Latina Women this International Women’s Day!
Communidades PNW will also host an event celebrating the amazing spanish speaking women and femmes of the gorge who are essential to the local community and provide workshops from Anjuli Shah-Johnson and Claudia Cuentas. Learn how to make your own essential oils and treat yourself to some relaxing massage. The event will be held in Spanish.
From Comunidades:
Mujeres Esenciales del Gorge. Celebrando el Día Internacional de la Mujer
“Comunidades le invita cordialmente a celebrar el Día Internacional de la Mujer y celebrar el esfuerzo y lucha de nuestras trabajadoras en el Gorge.
Tendremos un taller de 11:30-1:00 p.m. para aprender a hacer aceites esenciales e imposición de manos con la terapeuta Anjuli Shah-Johnson. Este taller tiene cupo limitado de 20 personas, así que se agradece que se inscriban con Ingrid al (541)399-3668 o al email ingrid@comunidades.org.
En caso de no poder asistir al taller de la mañana, las esperamos a partir de las 4pm para nuestra celebración, taller de auto-cuidado con la terapeuta y artista Claudia Cuentas. Habrá cena y destacaremos a algunas mujeres del gorge que han resaltado por su trabajo comunitario.
Nos vemos el sábado 11 de Marzo en el Society Hotel en Bingen, WA, 210 N Cedar St, Cook, WA 98605.”
Read a Book
For a self-portrait in two parts read Babe in the Woods 1 and 2 by The Dalles based author, artist and log cabin builder Yvonne Peppin-Wakefield.
For spiritually empowering poetry read White Salmon based poet, Chelan Harkin’s Susceptible to Light and Let Us Dance!
Support Women Owned Businesses in the Gorge
The gorge is home to many amazing women entrepreneurs and business owners. The following list is only a sampling of the many local businesses owned by women.
Immense Imagery, get your website designed, your video made, and get your business the promotion and marketing expertise it needs and deserves!
Kateel Muhs Therapeutic Massage, get or give the gift of healing relaxation.
Terra Cotta Gorge Co, give the gift of the latest in bohemian spring fashions!
Berries by Felice, enjoy a delicious treat and support an amazing latina business owner!
Sigman’s Flowers, buy flowers for a special woman in your life!
Saldivar Insurance, buy insurance for the woman you love!
Shannon’s Ice Cream, take your family to get some delicious homemade ice cream!
Manion Studios, learn to paint, purchase art, and get your windows painted!
Monkeyshines Studio and Gallery, stop in to check out some vintage clothing and ecclectic art!
Did you know that CCCNews is half women owned? Purchase a subscription to support local news!
Visit Traverse PNW Market in Stevenson
Join Traverse PNW Market is celebrating this month by showcasing women-made, locally-sourced provisions, gifts and treasures, original artwork, hand-painted textiles, skincare, jewlery, decadent baked goods and more. You’re sure to find something special to honor the women in your life.
“Women’s History Month is an opportunity for us to shine some extra light on all the amazing women-centric products we have curated for the market. We love supporting women artists and entrepreneurs because that’s who we are.” Tabatha Wiggins, co-creator of Traverse PNW Market said. “Don’t get me wrong, we love all genders, but this month it’s about women, the women to be and the women at heart.”
On March 8th, in honor of International Women’s Day, Traverse PNW Market gave out a free chocolate to visitors and pledged to donate ten percent of the day’s sales to the Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This local non-profit provides free educational opportunities to Skamania County residents to help eradicate violence.
Visit Local Museums
Visit the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center
Madam Marie Dorion’s, historical marker, has entered the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center’s collection thanks to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DOAR). Marie Dorion is considered by historians to be a prime example of the courage and hardship that was daily life for settlers on the Oregon trail. Her marker will be on display in the Basalt Rock Cafe for Women’s History Month. Learn more about her here. Plan your visit the Discovery Center here.
Visit Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead to learn about Jeanne Hillis, the Sorisis Club and much more! Plan your visit here.
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