Dennis James Banks, a prominent figure in the Native American rights movement and a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM), passed away on October 29th at a hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, succumbing to complications arising from pneumonia. He was 80 years old. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to advocating for the rights and recognition of Native American peoples, a life marked by both fervent activism and significant controversy. His daughter, Arrow Banks, confirmed the cause of death following recent open-heart surgery.
Born on April 12, 1937, on the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota, Dennis Banks, whose Ojibwa name was Nowacumig, meaning "at the center of the universe," experienced firsthand the systemic injustices faced by Native Americans in the United States. This early exposure to inequality fueled his lifelong commitment to fighting for change. His personal experiences, particularly his time spent in Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) boarding schools, profoundly shaped his perspective and galvanized his resolve to challenge the status quo. Banks often likened these boarding schools to "concentration camps," highlighting the forced assimilation and cultural erasure that characterized the BIA’s approach to Native American education.
The American Indian Movement (AIM), which Banks co-founded in 1968, emerged as a powerful force in the fight for Native American rights. AIM sought to address a wide range of issues, including treaty rights, land claims, cultural preservation, and an end to discrimination and police brutality against Native Americans. The organization employed a variety of tactics, from peaceful protests and demonstrations to more confrontational actions, to bring attention to their cause and pressure the government to address their grievances. A.I.M. founder, Dennis Banks dies of complications of pneumonia.
One of the most significant and widely publicized events in which Banks played a central role was the 1973 Wounded Knee incident. This event, a 71-day occupation of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, brought the struggles of Native Americans to the forefront of national and international attention. Wounded Knee, the site of the infamous 1890 massacre of Lakota people by the U.S. Army, was chosen as a symbolic location to protest the U.S. government’s broken treaties and the ongoing oppression of Native Americans.
The occupation involved hundreds of AIM activists and local residents who took control of the town of Wounded Knee, demanding that the government investigate corruption and address the grievances of the Oglala Lakota people. The siege quickly escalated into an armed standoff between the occupiers and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the National Guard. The tense situation resulted in two Native Americans killed and several others injured, including a federal officer who was paralyzed.
The Wounded Knee incident captivated the nation and drew widespread media coverage. While some criticized the tactics employed by AIM, others saw the occupation as a courageous act of resistance against a history of injustice. The event undoubtedly raised awareness of the issues facing Native Americans and sparked a national dialogue about their rights and treatment.
Following the Wounded Knee incident, Banks and fellow AIM leader Russell Means faced charges of conspiracy, assault, and theft. However, in 1974, a federal judge dismissed the charges, citing government misconduct and evidence tampering. This legal victory was seen as a significant blow to the government’s efforts to suppress AIM and its activities.
However, Banks’ legal troubles were far from over. He faced separate charges stemming from an earlier demonstration at the Custer County courthouse in South Dakota, just weeks before the Wounded Knee incident. The protest was sparked by the lenient charges brought against the white man accused of killing a Native American man. AIM activists, including Banks, gathered to demand that the suspect be charged with murder, rather than the lesser charge of manslaughter. The demonstration escalated into a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in injuries, property damage, and arrests.
In 1975, Banks was convicted of rioting and assault in connection with the Custer County courthouse incident. Fearing for his safety in prison, he fled and became a fugitive. During his time on the run, he received support from various figures, including actress Jane Fonda and actor Marlon Brando, who recognized the injustices faced by Native Americans and the importance of his cause. He found refuge in California, under the governorship of Jerry Brown, and later on an Onondaga reservation in New York. A.I.M. founder, Dennis Banks dies of complications of pneumonia.
Banks eventually surrendered to authorities in 1984 and served a prison sentence before being paroled the following year. After his release, he continued to advocate for Native American rights, but shifted his focus to more community-based initiatives. He provided addiction counseling and established a rice and maple syrup company aimed at creating jobs on reservations and promoting economic self-sufficiency.
Despite his controversial past and the mixed legacy of AIM, Dennis Banks is widely recognized as a significant figure in the Native American rights movement. He, along with Russell Means, became some of the "most famous Indians since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse," according to the Los Angeles Times, figures who challenged the established order and fought for the rights and dignity of their people.
Banks’ activism extended beyond protests and demonstrations. He also sought to educate and inspire others through his writings and teachings. He co-authored the memoir "Ojibwa Warrior" with Richard Erdoes, chronicling his life experiences and his involvement in the Native American rights movement. He also taught classes at Stanford University, sharing his knowledge and insights with students.
His life was not without its complexities. He served in the Air Force in Japan, married a Japanese woman, and fathered a child. Reports indicate he was married at least five times and fathered 20 children, leaving behind a large family and extended network of relatives.
In addition to his activism, Banks also ventured into the entertainment industry, acting in films such as "War Party" (1988) and "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), further amplifying his voice and visibility.
While the conditions on many Native American reservations remain dire, and many of the goals of AIM have yet to be fully realized, Banks believed that the movement had made a significant impact. He argued that the Wounded Knee incident raised awareness among Americans about the injustices faced by Native Americans and instilled a sense of pride and empowerment within the Native American community. "A.I.M. founder, Dennis Banks dies of complications of pneumonia and will be remembered for his dedication to the cause."
Dennis Banks’ life was a testament to the power of resistance and the enduring spirit of the Native American people. His legacy as a fearless advocate for justice and equality will continue to inspire future generations to fight for a better world. He leaves behind a complex and multifaceted legacy, one marked by both triumph and tragedy, but ultimately defined by his unwavering commitment to the cause of Native American liberation. A.I.M. founder, Dennis Banks dies of complications of pneumonia, leaving behind a movement forever changed by his participation.