Oneida Comedian Charlie Hill on AIM Leader Dennis Banks

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Entertainment. Discussion »

LEECH LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION – Charlie Hill, Oneida, was a student at the University of Wisconsin in 1973 during the siege of Wounded Knee. He remembers cheering for Dennis Banks and the American Indian Movement. His sense of Indian pride intensified as the occupation lasted.

Oneida Comedian Charlie Hill

His pride and admiration of Dennis Banks grew more as he became acquainted personally with Banks during the time after Wounded Knee when Banks was granted amnesty during Governor Jerry Brown's first stint as California governor. Banks was then teaching at Daeganawidah-Quetzecoatl University, commonly known as DQ University, in Davis, California.

“Back then we said DQ stood for Dennis' Quarters,”

quipped Hill last night to the Native News Network after he finished his performance at the Northern Lights Casino and Resort on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation.

Tonight Hill is taking top billing as he, Russell Means and Dennis' brother, Mark, roast Banks in celebration of his 75th birthday, which was yesterday.

“Dennis took a chance when no one else was doing it. He stood up and took a chance,”

Stated Hill as he spoke about Banks contributions to Indian Country.

“He did it – with others – for all us Native people. He is charismatic and likable.”

Hill is a comedian, whose laugh-out-loud comedy routines are seasoned with insightful observations about modern America and how American Indians fit into it. Hill has written for the "Roseanne" show and has appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman," and the "Tonight Show" starring Jay Leno.

Hill will share the stage with Russell Means.

“I am glad they got Russ to come,”

said Hill.

“I realize they both have their own styles and they went their separate ways, but it is always good to see Indians come together.”

WHAT:    75th Birthday Celebration for Dennis Banks

WHEN:    Friday, April 13

WHERE:    Northern Lights Casino
6800 Y Frontage Road Northwest
Walker, Minnesota

posted April 13, 2012 1:57 pm edt