Current:Home > FinanceKlee Benally, Navajo advocate for Indigenous people and environmental causes, dies in Phoenix-LoTradeCoin
Klee Benally, Navajo advocate for Indigenous people and environmental causes, dies in Phoenix
View Date:2024-12-23 16:44:44
PHOENIX (AP) — Klee Benally, a Navajo man who advocated on behalf of Indigenous people and environmental causes, has died, his sister said. He was 48 years old.
Benally died Saturday at a Phoenix hospital, Jeneda Benally said. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Klee Benally was among the most vocal opponents of snowmaking at Arizona Snowbowl ski resort in Flagstaff. At least 13 tribes consider the mountain on public land to be sacred.
He protested police violence and racial profiling and was among activists who gathered outside metro Phoenix’s NFL stadium in 2014 to denounce the offensive team name previously used by the franchise from Washington, D.C.
Benally advocated for the cleanup of abandoned mines, where uranium ore was extracted from the Navajo Nation over decades to support U.S. nuclear activities during the Cold War.
He also spoke out against an ordinance that, in a bid to address the problem of homelessness, had banned camping on public property in Flagstaff.
“There is no compassionate way to enforce the anti-camping ordinance,” Benally said in 2018 when officials declined to alter the 2005 ordinance. “Life is already hard enough for our unsheltered relatives on the streets.”
Benally was also a guitarist, and played with his sister and brother in the Native American punk rock band Blackfire.
veryGood! (39)
Related
- Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority
- Sister Wives' Meri Brown Jokes About Catfishing Scandal While Meeting Christine's Boyfriend
- Trapped with 54 horses for 4 days: Biltmore Estate staff fought to find water after Helene
- Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones after his death: 'Your love lives forever'
- Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
- Partial list of nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards
- Jimmy Fallon Details “Bromance” Holiday Song With Justin Timberlake
- Alabama prison sergeant charged with sexual misconduct
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Good Try (Freestyle)
- Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia Speaks Out After Detailing Zach Bryan’s Alleged Emotional Abuse
Ranking
- Ready-to-eat meat, poultry recalled over listeria risk: See list of affected products
- The 2025 Grammy Award nominations are about to arrive. Here’s what to know
- Winter storm smacks New Mexico, could dump several feet of snow
- Cillian Murphy returns with 'Small Things Like These' after 'fever dream' of Oscar win
- Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
- 2025 Grammy nominations live updates: Beyoncé leads the way
- Boy, 13, in custody after trying to enter Wisconsin elementary school while armed, police say
- US to tighten restrictions on energy development to protect struggling sage grouse
Recommendation
-
Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
-
Chiefs' deal for DeAndre Hopkins looks like ultimate heist of NFL trade deadline
-
A Fed rate cut may be coming, but it may be too small for Americans to notice
-
'Everything on sale': American Freight closing all stores amid parent company's bankruptcy
-
Amazon Prime Video to stream Diamond Sports' regional networks
-
A voter-approved Maine limit on PAC contributions sets the stage for a legal challenge
-
AP VoteCast shows Trump boosted his level of support among Catholic voters
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, EIEIO