Fort Lewis College joins communities across the country in mourning the passing of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, an Indigenous statesman, artist, educator, and lifelong advocate for Indigenous peoples and the American West.

A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Senator Campbell served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two terms in the U.S. Senate. Known for his irreverent candor and independent spirit, he built coalitions across party lines and identities, championing Indigenous communities, working families, and underrepresented voices. His advocacy reshaped policy on tribal sovereignty, land stewardship, water infrastructure, and cultural representation.

Senator Campbell’s impact on Fort Lewis College was personal and enduring. As a part-time instructor, he taught in the FLC art department, sharing his acclaimed work as an Indigenous jeweler with students. He also helped FLC secure funding to create the Campbell Childcare Center. After his retirement from public office, he donated his congressional papers and original artwork to the Center of Southwest Studies. His federal support of the Animas-La Plata Water Project led to the creation of Lake Nighthorse—now a thriving regional resource for water, recreation, and economic vitality named in his honor.

Nationally, Senator Campbell led pivotal efforts to advance Indigenous visibility and historical truth-telling. He sponsored legislation to rename Custer Battlefield National Monument as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, reframing the site to honor Indigenous warriors who fell in 1876. He was also a lead sponsor in the establishment of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, which opened in 2004 on the National Mall.

“Senator Campbell reminded us that history is not just something we study, it is something we shape,” said Fort Lewis College President Heather Shotton. “His legacy lives on in our region, our students, and our institutional mission as a Native American-serving, nontribal institution. He was an inspiration to so many of us. We honor his life with deep gratitude, knowing that his work helped pave the way for generations of Indigenous leaders, artists, and scholars.”

Fort Lewis College extends its heartfelt condolences to Senator Campbell’s family, community, and all those who walked alongside him in service.