Danielle Hanks, age 25, of Naytahwaush, MN, passed Monday, June 5, 2017, at her home.

Danielle Jaylen Terese Hanks, lovingly known as "Bear Bear" to her family, was born on April 24, 1992, in Detroit Lakes to Susie Ballot and David Hanks. Danielle is also known as Zhawaano Binesii (Southern Thunderbird) in Ojibwe and known as Tuuqluk in Inupiaq. She spent her life with her family in the community of Naytahwaush, MN. She attended grade school in Naytahwaush and continued on to Mahnomen High School, where she was an avid basketball player and was known for her 3 point shot. She was extremely excited when she was given the chance to play with Team Minnesota during the Indigenous Olympics in 2006 in Denver Colorado.

When Danielle was still in school she met and fell in love with, Tyler Townsend. The two were quite a pair who loved to spend time together laughing, working in the woods and especially fishing together. The highlight of their relationship was the gift of their two daughters Lenayah "Poo-Poo" and Lylah "Nayuk". Tyler passed suddenly in 2014. As much of a challenge as it was for Danielle to become a single parent, she gave it her best while surrounded by family. She was fortunate to find love again and was currently sharing her life with Dustin Blue and they were blessed with yet another daughter Lenayah. Danielle's daughters were her world and being a mom was the most chaotic, joyful time of her life.

Danielle was incredibly proud and active with her Ojibwe ceremonies and powwow. She was an exceptional Jingle Dress dancer, being well known for dancing "the old way". She held many titles for royalty, representing both the Naytahwaush Community and the White Earth Reservation. She was at her best when dancing at powwows, attending traditional ceremonies, and often sang proudly behind her uncle Mike.

Danielle could always light any room she entered with a beaming smile and a goofy one liner to make others laugh. Despite the adversity she faced in her life, she always tried to smile. Her ability to joke around and simply be "silly" filled her world with laughter and will forever be remembered by those who loved her.

Danielle is survived by her parents, Susie Ballot and David Hanks, both of Naytahwaush; her daughters, Leenah Townsend, Lylah Townsend, and Lenayah Blue, all of Naytahwaush; her significant other, Dustin Blue of Mah-Konce; sisters, Carissa (Brandon White) Hanks, Shona Hanks, and Gloria Hanks, all of Naytahwaush; brothers, Emil Hanks of Naytahwaush, Landen Russette and Keith Hanks both of Minneapolis; her grandma, Rose Alvarado of Naytahwaush; great-grandmother, Phyllis Bunker of Naytahwaush; and her We'eh Kenn "Grampa Crabby" Mitchell of Cass Lake; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Charlotte and Kelsey Hanks; her first love, Tyler Townsend; grandparents: Dennis Jackson, Emil Ballot, Greg Kingbird, and Gloria and James Grandboise; great-grandfather, Glenn Bunker; uncle, James "Son-son" Hanks, and Great Uncles: Kelly and Dicky Bunker, Clifford, Dale and Manney Hanks; and great-aunt, Kathy Kier.


Traditional Native American Services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush. Visitation will be at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex beginning 5:00 pm on Monday, June 12, 2017 and continue until the service begins on Wednesday. Burial will be in the family cemetery.