Gus Palmer Sr., a former chairman of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and a decorated World War II veteran, died on Saturday. He was 87.

Palmer revived the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society in 1958. The society is open to Kiowas who have served in the military.

"This is a unique organization," Palmer said in a 2002 interview with The Oklahoman. "I'm proud to be keeping it like it is -- to preserve and celebrate."

Palmer advocated for Native religious rights. In 1991, he testified to Congress on the peyote exemption that was passed into law.

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Kiowa Tribe society reviver dies at age 87 (The Oklahoman 11/21)
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