Dennis Banks was born on December 12, 1937, on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. Growing up, he faced discrimination and racism due to his Native American heritage, which sparked his activism from a young age.
In 1968, Dennis Banks co-founded the American Indian Movement (AIM) with fellow activists to address issues faced by Native Americans, such as poverty, police brutality, and lack of representation in government. AIM quickly gained national attention for its advocacy and protest actions.
One of the most significant events in Dennis Banks' activism career was the armed takeover and occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. Alongside other AIM activists, Banks led the occupation to protest the government's treatment of Native peoples. After a tense 71-day standoff with federal law enforcement, the occupation ended, and Banks was forced to go into hiding to avoid imprisonment.
Dennis Banks was married three times in his life. His first wife was Jeanette Banks, with whom he had seven children. He later married Darlene Nichols and had four children with her before their divorce. His third wife was Machiko, with whom he had a daughter. Despite his busy activism schedule, Banks remained devoted to his family.
Dennis Banks' contributions to the Native American civil rights movement are immeasurable. He advocated for the rights of Indigenous peoples and fought against injustice until his passing. His legacy lives on through the American Indian Movement and the many individuals he inspired to continue the fight for equality.
Throughout his life, Dennis Banks received support from various sources, including actor Marlon Brando, who provided financial assistance for his activism work. Banks' tireless dedication to the cause made him a respected figure within the Native American community and beyond.
After years of activism and advocacy, Dennis Banks passed away on October 29, 2017, leaving behind a lasting impact on the fight for Native American rights. His courage and determination continue to inspire future generations to stand up for justice and equality.