President Gene Small’s statement on Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s final journey

On behalf of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, I express sorrow and condolence from our people for the loss of one of our strong Cheyenne leaders – Ben Nighthorse Campbell. He began his journey to the Next Camp on December 30, 2025 at the venerable age of 92, one of our oldest tribal members.

This communication summarizes some of his accomplishments on behalf of our People, perhaps a letter of record to make it crystal clear that Ben was one of the most remarkable Northern Cheyenne leaders and visionaries in our history. The young ones should always remember his name and know about his dedication. He ever wanted to inspire the young ones. Growing up as an orphan in harsh circumstance, he believed that anything was possible, given determination and support.

Dennis Limberhand (Iff-suff), one of Ben’s brothers. once told: The Creator sends certain ones to the People when we are in need. Sweet Medicine, the prophet; Dull Knife, old man peace Chief; Little Wolf, great warrior Chief and Ben Nighthorse Campbell were among them. They are sent to help us in great times of need. Ben was seated on the Council of 44; serving honorably in that ten-year capacity. It was then that the Chiefs agreed upon the name “Nighthorse’, another way to say Black Horse, from whom Ben descended. Black Horse was very brave, surviving The Battle of the Greasy Grass; a ‘wolf’ or scout on the Long Walk the Northerns made from Oklahoma. Apparently, those genes were strong, indicated by Ben’s character.

As a congressional leader, both in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Nighthorse led the pack when it came to getting business done; the author and inspiration for hundreds of laws. Yet, as he expressed to us, the People, his major legislative accomplishments were directly related to and directed by the Northern Cheyenne. These include fundamental things of import to us.

Changing the name of the Battlefield from Custer’s Last Stand to The Battle of the Little Big Horn. Long before he was an elected official he had promised Austin Two Moons, Sr., then principal Chief and mentor to Ben that he would do something about that. Ben did that, sorrowing that Austin was not here to celebrate. YET, Cheyenne way, he was.

Finalizing the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This law allows Native Tribes to reclaim skeletal remains and other sacred artifacts in the hands of museums. This effort was first started by Ben’s good friend, Senator John Melcher undertaken at the request of highly respected Northern Cheyenne elders: Bill Tallbull and George Elkshoulder, Sr. Along the way, Ben added an amendment which established the Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.! That recognizes and honors all tribal people.

Sand Creek Massacre: Ironically, that horrible incident occurred in Colorado, once Cheyenne country and then much later represented by a Northern Cheyenne. The good Senator brought that to the attention of the world, got a memorial established and official apology from the U.S. government.

Tribal Office: in the late 1990’s the Northern Cheyenne Tribal office burnt down. In tandem, Senator Melcher and Representative Nighthorse Campbell made legislative history, gaining an earmark in the BIA facilities construction budget for funding to replace it. That funding required a match from the Tribe and due to the influence of the two august legislators was easily met. Otherwise, the Tribal Council would still be camping out in Headstart quarters. Four million is what it took.

He walked with Chiefs; was acknowledged by the Emperor of Japan (somewhat due to Ben being an Olympic Judo Champion, but also for his humility): the Queen of England; and numerous chiefs of indigenous peoples throughout the world, whom he sought and highly regarded.

In his honor, the Tribal Council has declared December 31 as “Ben Nighthorse Campbell Day” to ensure that his legacy will be ever recalled. In addition, the Northern Cheyenne people wish to honor Nighthorse. Thus, we will send a delegation of Chiefs; the Veterans Color Guard; Council members and his adopted sister, Clara Caufield to the final ‘going away’ ceremony.

If not so now, it will be at the annual 4th of July Tribal Pow Wow, during which a day will be designated in his honor. Otherwise, we understand that he requested a simple traveling ceremony, in good Cheyenne way, wanting to be placed near his beloved horses – warrior way. Eh-Piva. (That is good).

With that, we encourage his loved ones with a fundamental belief. There is no word in Cheyenne for a final good-bye. Rather, we say “We will see you again. Wait for us.”

We will keep his legacy and family in our prayers and hearts.

Gene Small
President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe

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