CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY, IRVING, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation is mourning the passing of former United States Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Tribe and United States Air Force Veteran who served in both houses of the United States Congress, representing Colorado in the U.S. House pf Representatives from 1987-1993, and in the United States Senate from 1993-2005. Senator Campbell passed away yesterday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 92.
“The Seneca Nation joins all Native Nations in expressing our gratitude for the life and leadership of Senator Campbell and sharing our grief at the news of his passing,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “As the only Native American serving in Congress during his years in office, Senator Campbell passionately advocated in Washington for all Native people and our sovereign rights. He was an incredible representative for all of us, just as he was for his constituents in Colorado throughout his decades of service in Congress and in the Colorado State Legislature.”
President Seneca had the honor of personally meeting Senator Campbell many times over the years. None are more memorable than the Inaugural Parade for President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C. in January 1993.
As Northeast Region Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians at the time, President Seneca was part of the NCAI contingent invited to attend the many Inauguration events and to participate in the parade. President Seneca brought two flags to Washington with him, each with a Native American profile against the backdrop of the United States flag. He presented one of the flags to President Clinton the night before the parade. He planned to carry the other flag along the parade route, attaching it to a wooden stake from a nearby snow fence while they waited for the parade to begin.
Security noticed the flag and told President Seneca he could not carry it in the parade.
“That is when Senator Campbell stepped in and not only said that I could carry the flag, but he also asked me to lead his contingent along the parade route,” President Seneca recalled. “Carrying that flag on behalf of all Native people and leading Senator Campbell’s procession down Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the highlights of my life. The excitement of the moment and the atmosphere were unforgettable. It is something I will always remember.”
Footage of Senator Campbell’s procession, led by President Seneca carrying the flag, was included in the national media coverage of the Inauguration parade before networks returned to their regular program schedule that day.
“Senator Campbell lived a life of deep commitment and service that impacted the lives of countless people,” President Seneca added. “The Seneca Nation expresses our sympathy to his family and his Northern Cheyenne community. He will be greatly missed.”
Photo credits: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Nighthorse_Campbell, https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/memorial-service-former-colorado-senator-ben-nighthorse-campbell/
