Don L. Kingbird

Don L. Kingbird

April 27, 1972 ~ July 5, 2021 (age 49)

Don Louis Kingbird, Ogichidaas "Little Warrior", began his journey surrounded by his loving wife and family on July 5, 2021.

He was born April 27, 1972 to Carol May and Jerry Kingbird, Sr.. Don grew up in Duluth and Red Lake, attending Red Lake Schools. Don was very active in athletics in his youth. He excelled in cross country running, basketball, boxing, hockey, and track.

An accomplished and well respected singer, Don began singing with his dad and family drum group, Ogidaakii, and traveled with the Battle River drum to powwows across the United States and Canada. Don was a champion powwow singer, winning the Schemitzun World Singing Championships twice with his drum brothers. Don was always willing to help others. He had a depth of knowledge in Ojibwe culture and language. He enjoyed practicing and teaching Ojibwe customs including maple syrup camp, drum making, hunting and fishing. He held many jobs that helped teach and share his knowledge. He worked at Red Lake Elementary. He loved family above all, was an excellent father and committed partner to Wenona no matter the circumstances.

Don is survived by his wife, Wenona Kingbird, children: John Little Bear Kingbird, Sadie Christine Kingbird, Amayah Jo Littlewolf (Adam Daoust), Aazhide-Giizhig Eunice Kingbird, River Sonny-James Kingbird, mother, Carol May, brothers Kendall Kingbird (Star Kingbird), Jason Kingbird (Autumn Keahna), Randy (Tera) Kingbird, Jordan Kingbird, Jerry Kingbird, Jr. sisters: Melinda Kingbird and Ashley Neadeau; grandson, Biitwaanakwad Hale as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Kingbird, Sr. ; brothers: Jeremy Kingbird, Sr. and Conrad Kingbird, Sr; special brothers: John Prentice and Mike Roy; his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

The wake will be begin on Friday, July 9, 2021 at the Red Lake Center in Red Lake and continue until the service on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Active casketbearers will be: John Mountain, Kendall Kingbird, Sr., Jordan Kingbird, Chase Kingbird, B.J. Copenace, Hershel Gorham, John Kingbird, Randy Kingbird, Sr. and James D. Littlewolf. Honorary casketbearers will be: Battle River Drum Brothers, Eagle Tail Singers, Eyabay Singers, Ron Kingbird (of Bemidji), Red Lake Elementary Co-Workers, and Family and Friends Don met on the pow wow trail. Burial will be at the Kingbird Family Burial Grounds in Ponemah. He will be helped by his Ponemah Mide Lodge family. Arrangements by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service.