The Hualapai Tribe is mourning the loss of its former chairwoman, Louise Benson, who is credited with leading the creation of the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West—a project that continues to serve as a major economic driver for the tribe. The tribe announced Benson’s passing on April 18. She was 83.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk attracts between 800,000 and one million visitors each year.
Benson’s father, Sterling Mahone, served as tribal chairman and first envisioned the development of Grand Canyon West. Benson carried forward his dream after becoming chairwoman. Her leadership was instrumental in the realization of the Diamond Bar Road project, which created a vital connection to the Skywalk, according to the tribe.
“Chairwoman Benson was a beacon of inspirational leadership,” the Tribal Administration said in a press release. “She believed in standing for the people above all else, always offering encouragement and support to every tribal member she encountered. Her tenacity ensured our Nation’s voice was heard and respected.”
As a visionary leader, Benson’s tenure helped reshape the tribe’s economic future. According to the National Congress of American Indians, she “leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership, economic development, and long-term investment in the future of the Hualapai Nation.”
Beyond tourism, Benson championed long-term sustainability for her people. She led a decade-long effort to secure water rights for the tribe, laying the groundwork for a historic settlement to ensure reliable water access for future generations.
Colleagues and leaders across Indian Country remembered Benson as a steadfast advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Her work not only strengthened the Hualapai Nation’s economy but also reinforced its independence and ability to plan for future generations.
The Hualapai Tribe, whose reservation spans parts of northern Arizona along the Grand Canyon, is home to more than 2,000 enrolled citizens. Benson’s leadership is credited with helping position the tribe as a key destination in the region while maintaining its cultural and governmental integrity.
Benson’s legacy endures in the economic opportunities she helped create and the foundation she built for the continued growth and sovereignty of the Hualapai people.
