Klee Benally, a prominent Navajo activist and musician with Flagstaff roots, passed away at the age of 48 on Saturday, December 31, 2023.
According to a report in the Navajo Times, Benally hailed from Dziłyíjiin, Arizona, and belonged to the Tódích’íi’nii and Wandering People clans. Throughout his upbringing, Benally received a deep education in traditional Navajo culture from his father, Jones Benally, a renowned hataałii (medicine man).
Throughout his life, Benally was a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights, actively voicing concerns about various environmental issues, such as the use of reclaimed water in snow production at the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort.
In Flagstaff, he was a familiar presence, often leading protests and marches downtown, and he played a significant role in organizing the Taala Hooghan Infoshop in Sunnyside. This volunteer collective aimed to support activists working on issues related to social and environmental justice.
For many years, Benally was an unwavering and fervent champion for various causes impacting Native communities. He fearlessly raised his voice against police brutality and, in 2014, stood alongside fellow activists outside the NFL stadium in metro Phoenix to condemn the offensive team name formerly associated with the Washington, D.C. franchise.
Benally passionately advocated for the remediation of abandoned mines, which had extracted uranium ore from the Navajo Nation over many decades to support U.S. nuclear efforts during the Cold War era. He also took a stand against a local ordinance in Flagstaff that prohibited camping on public property, a measure aimed at addressing the homeless population in the area.
In 2018, Benally expressed his view on the unyielding nature of the anti-camping ordinance, stating, "There is no compassionate way to enforce the anti-camping ordinance. Life is already challenging for our unhoused community members."
On November 18, 2023, Benally released his book, "No Spiritual Surrender: Indigenous Anarchy in Defense of the Sacred," described as a powerful anti-colonial analysis rooted in his experiences fighting to safeguard sacred places and the reasons behind his commitment to protect nahasdzáán (Mother Earth). He also created a board game called "Burn the Fort."
Through his involvement with the organization Haul No, Benally rallied opposition against uranium mining and the transportation of uranium ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine, located just south of the Grand Canyon National Park.
He also played a central role in local protests as part of the Black Lives Matter movement, drawing attention to the treatment of Indigenous people by the Flagstaff Police Department and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. He emphasized the disproportionate arrest rates of Indigenous individuals.
Benally passed away at a Phoenix hospital, with the exact cause of his death yet to be determined. His family announced his passing on the Indigenous Action Facebook page, stating, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Klee Benally, an Indigenous land defender, agitator, warrior, artist, and child of Mother Earth."
Klee was a vocal advocate for homeless residents in Flagstaff, particularly in highlighting the city’s "anti-camping ordinance," which restricts outdoor sleeping within city limits. In addition to his activism, he was a member of the Native American punk band Blackfire, alongside his brother and sister.
Benally had a lasting impact on local politics by addressing issues that were often overlooked or ignored by other community leaders. Following his passing, social media has been filled with heartfelt tributes from residents mourning his loss.
We will post updates as they become available.
1.6.2024 Memorial Update: https://azdailysun.com/news/local/community-invited-to-celebration-of-life-for-klee-benally-saturday/article_e26e9cee-abeb-11ee-9147-4f459812a4f9.html
Cited:
Arizona Daily Sun https://azdailysun.com/news/local/navajo-activist-musician-klee-benally-dies-at-48/article_cdd664de-a997-11ee-81f8-976c75416795.html
Native News Online https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/dine-land-defender-warrior-klee-benally-walks-on