Native American Leaders and Policy

Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne and former U.S. senator from Colorado, died Tuesday at 92 of natural causes surrounded by family, his daughter Shanan Campbell confirmed, and Gov. Jared Polis ordered state flags lowered while leaders including Sen. John Hickenlooper and Rep. Diana DeGette paid tribute. A Korean War Air Force veteran who captained the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics and switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 1995, Campbell sponsored measures such as upgrading Great Sand Dunes to a national park and, after leaving the Senate, worked as a consultant, designed Native American jewelry now displayed at the Smithsonian and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.