Chris Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya who was killed in an attack on September 11, was a member of the Chinook Nation of Washington.

"To all of the Chinook members and all the friends of the Chinook Nation I am hopeful that you will include the family of Chris Stevens the former Ambassador to Libya that lost his life while working towards bringing lasting peace to the region, in your prayers. Chris, along with his family are Chinook members," Chairman Ray Gardner said on Facebook yesterday.

Stevens was killed in an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. He was 52.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats," President Barack Obama said at the White House yesterday. "I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people."

The Chinook Nation was recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the end of the Clinton administration in January 2001. The decision was reversed by the Bush administration in July 2002.

The tribe has been lobbying Congress for federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Slain ambassador was member of local Chinook Tribe (The Chinook Observer 9/14)
Slain US ambassador Stevens remembered for courage, humility as an envoy to the Arab world (AP 9/12)