Friends and family recall Ken Hansen, the former chairman of the Samish Nation of Washington, as a dedicated leader who refused to give up.

Hansen worked for the tribe for more than 30 years, including about 20 years as chairman. He played a role in nearly every major decision of the tribe and was especially committed to restoring the tribe's federal recognition.

"Kenny was a good warrior," recalled Russell Woodruff, the chairman of the Quileute Tribe, in The Seattle Times. "He was fighting a hell of a battle."

Once the tribe regained recognition, Hansen promoted economic development, language revitalization and infrastructure development. He died July 29 at the age of 54.

Get the Story:
Samish's Ken Hansen, 54, called "true tribal leader" (The Seattle Times 8/2)

Court Decision:
Samish Indian Nation v. United States (August 19, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Samish Indian Nation - http://www.samishtribe.nsn.us

Related Stories:
Ken Hansen, Samish Nation leader, dies at 53 (7/28)
Samish Nation leader steps down after 36 years (02/09)
Supreme Court won't rule on Indian law cases (01/10)
Indian law cases await U.S. Supreme Court action (12/08)
Samish Nation wins round in federal funding fight (08/22)
Jilted Washington tribe wins court ruling (1/7)
Samish Nation celebrates treaty rights ruling (01/07)
Samish Nation regains trust land after a century (09/16)
Landmark Boldt fishing rights decision turns 30 (2/10)
Judge won't restore tribe's treaty rights (12/20)
Samish: Other tribes 'without honor' (12/20)
Wash. tribe in court to reclaim treaty rights (12/06)
Jilted tribe sues for compensation (10/16)