Memorial dedication event for Grace Siler is Saturday, Nov. 3

Grace Siler was the guardian of human rights in Bonners Ferry and Boundary County from 1985 until 2013 when she was no longer able to live alone and moved to be with her son. Grace inspired and motivated those around her with her courage and tireless dedication to advance civil and human rights. She believed strongly in the rights of individuals and often spoke for those who did not have a voice.

In 1985 when a white supremacist group was planning to move to Boundary County and establish a compound here, Grace was instrumental in action that was taken by the Boundary County Commissioners to establish a human rights task force to successfully counteract the group’s establishment here. Under her leadership the Task Force has educated and stood for the rights of all people in our community. Never hesitant to meet head-on the infringement of human rights, she supported and worked with migrant workers and with the parents of school children who were not receiving the services entitled to them under the law.

She supported the efforts of the Kootenai Tribe to improve their economic and social status in our community. A strong supporter of education which she believed was the path to develop economic skills and respect for the rights of all, she served on all the school levy committees for the school district. Her dedication in supporting civil rights resulted in annual Martin Luther King Day programs to remind and educate the community on the importance of civil rights for all people.

Her scope for human rights was not only on a local level but she also advocated for human rights at the state, national and world level. Her close association with Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Kootenai County Task Force helped increase her voice for human rights.

The Boundary County Human Rights Task Force will be commemorating Grace with a memorial that will continue to remind the people of our community of her work for human rights and the importance of human rights for all. The Task Force invites our friends and neighbors to join us at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the bridge to honor Grace with a plaque that will be placed overlooking the river.

After, there will be a Meet & Greet at the Fairgrounds Memorial Hall from 3-5 p.m. where we can share stories about Grace, learn about upcoming task force projects and visit with our friends and neighbors.

Anyone who would like to contribute to Grace’s memorial can make a contribution in her name at the Meet & Greet or mail to the Boundary County Human Rights Task Force: P.O. Box 615, Bonners Ferry, ID, 83805.

Dedication – 2:30 p.m. by the Gazebo at the old bridge downtown (by the pellet wheel and new bridge)

Meet & Greet – 3-5 p.m. Memorial Hall at the Fairground