Leech Lake Tribal Elder and AIM Co-Founder Dennis Banks passed away October 29, 2017. Native News Online reported Sunday in a dispatch from Rochester, MN that Banks developed pneumonia following open heart surgery 10 days earlier.
In a post to his personal Facebook page, signed by his children and grandchildren, the family stated:
“Our father Dennis J. Banks started his journey to the spirit world at 10:10 pm on October 29, 2017.
As he took his last breaths, Minoh sang him four songs for his journey. All the family who were present prayed over him and said our individual goodbyes. Then we proudly sang him the AIM song as his final send off.
Our father will be laid to rest in his home community of Leech Lake, MN. Presiding over traditional services will be Terry Nelson. We welcome all who would like to pay respects. As soon as arrangements are finalized, we will post details.
Still Humbly Yours,
The children and grandchildren of Nowacumig”
UPDATED 10/31:
Dennis J. Banks Wake and Funeral Services
Wednesday, November 1 12:00 pm
Wake Service
Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 E. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
**please bring dishes for meal**
Thursday & Friday,
November 2 & 3
Wake:
Battle Point Community Center
10051 Battle Point Trail NW
Federal Dam, MN 56641
Saturday, November 4
Traditional Burial
Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Cemetery at Battle Point on the Leech Lake Reservation
