WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday evening of the Indian Gaming Association’s Annual Tradeshow & Convention, the Sovereign Warrior Celebration highlighted a champion for tribal sovereignty and Indian Country. Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell was bestowed with the prestigious Sovereign Warrior Award. The honor, dedicated to the memory of tribal gaming legends Tim Wapato and Rick Hill, recognized Senator Campbell’s relentless dedication to Indian Country.
Despite his absence at the event, Senator Campbell joined via Zoom to accept the accolade. Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), praised Campbell’s unwavering leadership and support for Indian Country throughout his congressional tenure. Stevens underscored Campbell’s empowering influence on Native communities, highlighting the transformative power of self-advocacy and sovereignty.
“Senator Campbell always stood strong behind Indian Country,” said Stevens. “He taught me and so many others that you have to walk on your own and that he can’t do the job for you. He empowered Indian people to advocate for themselves and to carry the message on their own.”
Stevens further lauded Senator Campbell as an Indian Country warrior and a beacon of leadership within Indian Country. Campbell’s lifelong commitment to defending and advancing the interests of Native Americans was commendable and inspiring to many.
Campbell’s instrumental role in shaping the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 exemplifies his dedication to empowering Native tribes through economic development and self-governance. His efforts have propelled the tribal gaming industry forward, strengthening tribal governments and fostering economic growth.
“If anybody had told me in 1988, when we first passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, that tribal gaming would grow to the proportion that is now a multi-billion dollar a year industry that has helped all of America so much in terms of growth, understanding, jobs, and so on, I never would have believed that that could happen, but it has, and it is remarkable,” said Senator Campbell.
The event was established in tribute to Tim Wapato and Rick Hill, two figures whose contributions to tribal government gaming were invaluable and transformative. Gay King-Wapato, Tim Wapato’s wife, shared poignant memories of the early days of the Indian Gaming Association, underscoring the importance of preserving tribal sovereignty.
Kingman said, “We established this Sovereign Warrior Award because Tim used to say, ‘When I’m gone dust to dust, know that someone will try to take away your sovereignty. If I have a legacy, let it be that I spent my life preserving tribal sovereignty. The honor continues today, memorializing Tim Wapato and Rick Hill, who passed away in 2019.”
As a pivotal figure in American politics and Native American advocacy, Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s legacy extends far beyond his political career. Born with a diverse heritage, Campbell’s contributions to Native American communities, especially in advancing tribal gaming rights, have left a lasting impact on the economic and social landscape of Indian Country.
Even after retiring from the Senate, Campbell continued championing Native American causes, showcasing his commitment to tribal sovereignty and prosperity. His legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for Native rights remains an enduring testament to his lifelong dedication to advancing the interests of Native American communities.
