Joe M. Lujan, the governor of Sandia Pueblo in New Mexico, died on Tuesday. His age was not reported.

Lujan was elected governor in January 2009. He was instrumental in settling the tribe's claim to the Sandia Mountains.

"As a tribal leader, he never went along with the status quo, but when he spoke, people listened to what he had to say. I join his family and community in mourning his passing," Santa Ana Pueblo Lt. Gov. Myron Armijo said in a statement, The Albuquerque Journal reported.

Lujan had been sick for the last several months and had been in and out of the hospital, KRQE-TV reported.

Get the Story:
Sandia Pueblo governor passes away (KRQE-TV 10/19)
Governor of Sandia Pueblo, Joe M. Lujan, Dies (The Albuquerque Journal 10/20)