Klamath Tribes mourn loss of iconic leader
/Long time Tribal Leader Chuck Kimbol fondly remembered
Charles “Chuck” Kimbol, Sr. a long time tribal leader and tribal rights advocate passed away August 5, 2020, in Chiloquin, Oregon (Submitted Photo)
Chiloquin, Ore.- Charles “Chuck” Kimbol, Sr. a long time tribal leader and tribal rights advocate passed away August 5, 2020, in Chiloquin, Oregon. Known for his vocal leadership and staunch stance on tribal rights Mr. Kimbol was an iconic leader for the Klamath Tribes.
Kimbol led the efforts that restored the Klamath Tribes to federal recognition when Congress passed Public Law 99-398. President Ronald Reagan signed the Klamath Indian Tribe Restoration Act on Aug. 27, 1986.
Chuck was best known for his fervent work on reaffirming tribal treaty reserved hunting, fishing and gathering rights. Kimbol was a key figure in Kimball v. Callahan the case that garnered national attention and confirmed the tribe’s inherent rights.
Kimbol emerged as a young leader during the dark period of termination. On March 1, 1975, Kimbol and other tribal leaders held the first meeting of the General Council since Termination in 1954. Tribal members elected Kimbol as Chairman of the Klamath Tribes Executive Committee (now known as Tribal Council) and established the Klamath Indian Game Commission. Kimbol served several consecutive terms as Chairman and later served as a long time Council Member.
Barbara Kirk (Submitted Photo)
Don Wharton a long-time attorney for the Tribes stated, “I remember that the congressional and state political leaders always held Chuck in high regard. No matter how difficult the issue he could always talk with them. He gave the tribes standing in their mind.”
Kimbol is the second long time former tribal leader the tribes lost in 2020. In January, Barbara Kirk also passed away. Ms. Kirk served as tribal secretary and worked for the Klamath Tribes for over 20 years. Kirk was another beloved tribal leader who provided dedicated service to the people of the Klamath Tribes.
The Klamath Tribes will honor the memory of Mr. Kimbol at the 34th Annual Restoration Celebration. The parade and drive-thru ‘safe-distancing’ event (Saturday, Aug, 22nd, 10 am, at the Chiloquin Elementary School) is dedicated in Chuck’s honor. He will never be forgotten. The Klamath Tribes have advanced through the years from dedicated efforts of leaders like him and many others. We are mourning his loss, but we will forever remember and advance his teachings.
Source: Klamath Tribes