Kallie Benallie
ICT
Indigenous leaders in education, artists and trailblazers left behind a path for others to follow in 2025. Some made history in their positions as a “first” or helped create groundbreaking organizations.
ICT reported their lives and notable accomplishments this year to readers. Here are Indigenous people that died within the past year to be remembered.
Charles ‘Monty’ Roessel
Charles “Monty” Roessel, former director of the Bureau of Indian Education, died on Jan. 6. Roessel had a long career in journalism and education.
He worked for the Navajo Times as a managing editor and his work appeared in National Geographic, Arizona Highways, New Mexico Magazine, Newsweek, Time, Sports Illustrated and Native Peoples. He was most recently the president of the Diné College.
“Dr. Roessel’s leadership was transformative. He elevated opportunities for Diné College students while creating pathways that connected education to the broader goals of the Navajo Nation,” stated Theresa Hatathlie, chair of the Diné College Board of Regents. “He left an indelible impact on our institution and on tribal colleges across the country.”
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Many of those who died in 2025, committed themselves to a lifelong dedication to their profession and passion.
One of those was Jaune Quick-to-See Smith — an artist, activist, curator and educator – who became the first Native American artist to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City in 2023. She died on Jan. 24.
Marion Ironquil Meadmore
On Feb. 19, Marion Ironquil Meadmore died at 89 years old surrounded by her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was “one of Canada’s first Indigenous women lawyers who worked decades to empower Indigenous people,” as Morrisseau wrote for ICT.
She helped create space for Indigenous peoples from the National Indian Council (which later on diverged into the Assembly of First Nations and the Native Council of Canada), and the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.
“Marion Ironquil Meadmore has spent her life championing ideas of Indigenous nationhood, while creating organizations that inspire Indigenous Peoples to regain equality and economic independence in the wake of colonialism,” stated the University of Manitoba in 2024 after receiving her honorary doctoral degree.
“Marion Ironquil Meadmore’s experiences and contributions are undeniable and profound.”
Mary Frances Polanco
Mary Frances Polanco, founder and first treasurer of the Indigenous Journalists Association, died March 6. Polanco, Jicarilla Apache, along with two dozen Indigenous journalists helped propel Indigenous journalism over 40 years ago.
Jeanne Givens
Jeanne Givens, the first Native American woman elected to the Idaho House of Representatives for the 4th district, died May 13. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe citizen also was the first Native American woman to run for U.S. Congress in 1988.
“Today is a day to remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, said. “She paved a path for many, including myself, to follow her footsteps into public service … I was sad to hear Jeanne has walked on, but it’s an honor to be able to speak her name and remember her legacy. Miigwech, Jeanne.”
Givens also served on the board of directors for IndiJ Public Media, the parent company of ICT.
Arlan Melendez
Arlan Melendez, considered to be the longest-serving tribal chairman in Nevada and one of the longest running in the United States, died June 17. The Reno Sparks Indian Colony chairman significantly diversified his tribe’s economy.
“For 32 years, Chairman Melendez faithfully led the (Reno Sparks Indian Colony), guiding his community with strength, vision and heart. His impact will be felt for generations. Donna and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Joyce, his children and the entire (Reno Sparks Indian Colony) community,” Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a statement.
William ‘Bill’ Paul
William ‘Bill’ Paul, the first Native American to lead the American Bar Association, was praised for his work to promote diversity in the legal profession. He died on June 24.
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said Paul’s impact was “tremendous.”
Jim Shore
Jim Shore, who served on the general counsel of the Seminole Tribe, died Aug. 30. Shore was key in creating the Seminole Tribe’s early gaming venture, negotiated water rights and developed the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida.
Later the tribe would buy the entire Hard Rock International enterprise.
“We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the Tribe’s behalf,” Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. said in a statement.
Graham Greene
First Nations actor Graham Greene died on Sept. 1. His death reverberated across the north medicine line and in the entertainment industry. Greene’s extensive career in the film industry helped break barriers for Indigenous actors.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for the film, “Dancing with Wolves” and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021. He won a Grammy in 2000 for best spoken word album for children for the book, “Listen to the Storyteller.”
Ernest L. ‘Ernie’ Stevens Jr.
Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens Jr., who led the Indian Gaming Association for more than 20 years, died on Sept. 27. Stevens, a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, helped garner billions of dollars in the Indian gaming Industry.
He served as an elected councilman of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin from 1993-1999, and served as first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians.
“His vision and commitment built bridges across tribal nations, Congress, and federal agencies, ensuring that tribal gaming remained a cornerstone of tribal self-determination and economic growth,” Jason Giles, executive director of the Indian Gaming Association, said.
“His legacy will be unmatched, and his voice will echo for generations to come.”
Charles Shay
Charles Shay, a decorated U.S. Army veteran who fought on D-Day died on Dec 3. He was 101.
Shay, of the Penobscot tribe and from Indian Island in the U.S. state of Maine, was awarded the Silver Star for saving wounded soldiers from drowning as a medic and he received France’s highest award, the Legion of Honor, in 2007.
He returned to combat as a medic during the Korean War, participating in U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and later worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.
“I guess I was prepared to give my life if I had to. Fortunately, I did not have to,” Shay said in a 2024 interview with The Associated Press.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
The charismatic and party switching first Native American U.S. senator, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, died Dec. 30 at the age of 92.
Campbell, Northern Cheyenne, represented Colorado for 18 years in Congress, serving as a representative from 1987 to 1993, when he became the first Native American elected to the U.S. Senate. He served two terms ending in 2005.
Campbell, a Democrat who stunned his party by joining the Republican Party, stood out in Congress as much for his unconventional dress — cowboy boots, bolo ties and ponytail — as his defense of children’s rights, organized labor and fiscal conservatism.
Campbell died of natural causes surrounded by his family, his daughter, Shanan Campbell, confirmed to The Associated Press.
Campbell, a Democrat who stunned his party by joining the Republican Party, stood out in Congress as much for his unconventional dress — cowboy boots, bolo ties and ponytail — as his defense of children’s rights, organized labor and fiscal conservatism.