Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a prominent figure in Western Colorado politics, passed away on Tuesday at 92 years old, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his daughter Shanan.
Campbell’s political journey spanned decades. He served in the Colorado state legislature from 1983 to 1986, followed by three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to the Senate in 1992 and switched from Democrat to Republican in 1995. He notably chaired the Committee on Indian Affairs, making history as the first Native American to hold that position, and the only Native American in the Senate during his time.
A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell’s entry into politics was almost serendipitous. Former Colorado GOP Chair Dick Wadhams mentioned that Campbell unexpectedly became a nominee after attending a Democratic meeting in Durango. Wadhams remarked, “When Ben entered a room, you knew it. He had a huge presence that drew people in.”
Campbell also played a significant role in preserving Native American history. He was an honorary chair of the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation, advocating for the recognition of the Sand Creek Massacre site within the National Park system. This tragic event involved the killing of over 150 Native Americans in 1864, and Campbell’s activism helped ensure that this dark chapter in U.S. history is remembered.
Born on April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell’s early life was unique. He dropped out of high school to join the Air Force, where he earned his GED. After serving, he attended San Jose State College and met his future wife, Linda, who enrolled in a judo class he taught. They married after a short time and celebrated 59 years together, raising two children and four grandchildren.
In 1960, Campbell learned that judo would be part of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He sold his belongings and moved to Japan to train, studying at Meiji University. Although he faced challenges at the Olympics due to an injury, he won a gold medal at the Pan-American Games in 1963. His dedication to judo didn’t end there; he later coached the U.S. National Judo Team.
Beyond politics and sports, Campbell was also a talented jewelry designer. He began crafting jewelry at just nine years old and developed this passion throughout his life. His daughter described his work as a reflection of his life journey, saying, “His jewelry tells a story; it’s a journal of his experiences.”
Campbell was known for his straightforwardness and integrity. Former Sen. Hank Brown expressed admiration for Campbell’s ability to embody the spirit of Colorado. He remembered inviting Campbell over for a Fourth of July celebration and waking up to find him and Linda shoveling horse manure in their yard, exemplifying Campbell’s down-to-earth nature.
Throughout his political career, Campbell prioritized the needs of his constituents, especially regarding Native American issues. He advocated for funding bulletproof vests for police and played a key role in establishing the National Museum of the American Indian, which he described as his proudest achievement. He believed that understanding and learning from the past is crucial for building a better future.
Campbell’s legacy transcends politics. He paved the way for future leaders, especially within Native American communities, and left an indelible mark on Colorado and beyond.
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