SEPT. 18, 1998
CONTACT: AUDREY HUDSON 202-224-5852
JAMES DOYLE 303-866-1900

CAMPBELL'S SAND CREEK BILL TO BECOME LAW

The Sand Creek National Historic Site Establishment Act introduced by Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell passed the House of Representatives today and is expected to become public law within the next few weeks.

"The Sand Creek massacre was one of the most disgraceful moments of American history," Campbell said. "This legislation will preserve a significant piece of Colorado history by honoring the hundreds of American Indians who were brutally murdered there."

Campbell's bill was carried on the House side by Congressman Bob Schaffer of Colorado's 4^th District.

A member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Campbell also secured funding in the Senate Interior Appropriations bill to conduct research to determine the precise site of the massacre. The study will be conducted in conjunction with the State of Colorado and affected Indian tribes.

The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on Nov. 29, 1864 when Colonel Chivington led a regiment of volunteers to the Cheyenne's Sand Creek campsite. Federal army officers had promised Chief Black Kettle safe passage, and an American flag along with a white flag of truce flew over his lodge. Despite this pledge of peace, Chivington ordered an attack on the unsuspecting village.

"After hours of brutal and cowardly fighting, the Colorado volunteers lost nine men, while 200 of my ancestors -- most of them innocent women and children -- had been murdered," Campbell said.

"My bill authorizes our government to preserve a significant piece of Colorado and American's history that I believe is needed to remind us of what happened and to honor the innocent American Indians who perished," Campbell said.

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