Bradley "Windy" Downwind (Chi-Bineshii (Big Bird)

Bradley "Windy" Downwind (Chi-Bineshii (Big Bird)

February 18, 1955 - November 28, 2017

Windy was born February 18, 1955 in Red Lake, MN, the son of Rupert and Alberta (Gurno) Downwind. His family moved to South Minneapolis where he attended South High and went to trade school to become a machinist, which he did for many years.

In later years, he worked at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig and Minneapolis Public Schools as a cultural teacher. He had a lot of pride in and was a lifelong member of AIM. He had a love for music and dancing and was a grassdancer, flute player, bass guitar player, artist and actor and he traveled around Turtle Island and the world sharing these talents. He was very cultural and spiritual and helped many people by providing culture, sweat ceremonies and naming ceremonies. For many years he also volunteered to bring these services to the brothers in the prison and juvenile detention facilities. He was very active in the sober Native community and earlier this year celebrated 35 years of sobriety.

Children were drawn to him his entire life and he was a wonderful father, grandfather and uncle to so many. He was extremely humorous, goodhearted and generous and went above and beyond to help others. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be greatly missed.

Windy is survived by 13 children; Shian (Comanche Fairbanks, Katie Manzi, Valentina Manzi, Ronee Downwing, Sasina (Ritty) Samreth, Star Downwind, Danielle Manzi, Keisha Brusewitz-Hensley, Bradley Bear Downwind, Vincent Downwind, Simone "Sami" Downwind, Dakaashi Downwind and Zoongizi "Zoom Zoom" Downwind; 31 grandchildren, 6 siblings; Beverly, Byron "Barney", David, Gina, Ross and Deb; Ex-wives; Julie Martinson and Sharyl White Hawk; Special Aunt Phyliss; and so many more brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and we'ens.

He was preceded in death by: sons, Little Bear and Bradley "Sonny Babes" Harold Corbine-Downwind; parents Rupert Downwind Sr. and Alberta (Gurno) Downwind; siblings, Rupert Jr. "Jumbo", Harlan, Lora and Mitch and Kevin; fiancee, Ellie Favel; special foster son Daniel "Danny Boy" Peet.

An all night wake will be held on Thursday, November 30th starting at 5:30 PM at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, Keith Smith officiating, and an all night wake on Friday, December 1st starting at 5:30 PM at the Red Lake Community Center, Lee Staples officiating, with traditional funeral services on Saturday, December 2nd starting at 10 AM, with the burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Red Lake, with a feast to follow at the Red Lake Center.

Pall Bearers: Bradley Downwind, Vincent Downwind, Byron Downwind Jr., Mitchel Downwind, Dino Downwind, Randy John Downwind, Wendell Olson, Isiah Olson, Ritty Samreth and Comanche Fairbanks.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Darwin Strong, Harold "Dunesy" White, Marlin Farley, Frank Rogers, Dan "Fudd" Wilson, Devery Fairbanks, Ellsworth Ten Bear, Arland Wakefield, Rich Antell and Steve Broome.