Colorado Governor Jared Polis has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff to honor the life and contributions of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. The flags will remain at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on the day of his memorial service, which, as of publication, has not been scheduled. Campbell's impact on the state and the broader national landscape was acknowledged by Polis in a statement released by the Colorado Governor's Office.
"I was sad to hear of the passing of Senator Nighthorse Campbell," said Governor Polis, as per the Colorado Governor's Office, highlighting the unique and multifaceted life journey of the former senator. Among his various roles, Campbell was an Olympic athlete, a jewelry designer, a horse trainer, and a patriot who served in the U.S. Air Force. Significantly, he was recognized as the only Native American senator during his tenure, a testament to his trailblazing career. His efforts were crucial in the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Polis's statement emphasized that Campbell's passing is a loss felt by not just Colorado but by people across the nation, owing to his lasting contributions.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, whose life read like a tapestry of diverse and colorful chapters, served Colorado both at the state and federal levels. Beyond his political feats, he was respected as an artist, an athlete, and an advocate for indigenous populations. His work extended beyond mere legislation; he was determined to promote understanding and recognition of Native American culture and history. "He will be missed here in Colorado and across the country, and his contributions leave a lasting legacy to our state and nation," Governor Polis affirmed, as obtained by the Colorado Governor's Office. Campbell's passing leaves behind an indelible mark on those who knew him and on the institutions he helped shape.
