Misko Binesii, age 75, of Odaawaa Zaagaa’iganing, gave his last breath to Creation Monday, March 4, 2024 with his sister and his niece by his side.

Misko Binesii was born April 28, 1948, in Hayward Indian Hospital, the son of Patrick and Mary Ellen (Smith) Baker and was given the English name David Dale Baker. He grew up with the teachings from his Grandfather Charles Smith which guided him in his life and his path to the Midewiwin Lodge where he received his 4th degree. He loved the Three Fires Mide Lodge where he received much healing.

David was a singer/songwriter and guitarist that traveled the world with his music. As a teenager he was inspired by a young Menominee Band from Keshena, “Indian Echos,” and remarked this is what he wanted to do with his life, play music. He played in the band with his brothers, “The Lost Tribe”, from Lac Courte Oreilles. David formed lifelong friendships with Dale Kakak, Jonesy Miller with whom he performed music and Louie Webster with whom he co-authored songs since the early 1970’s. He participated in “The Longest Walk” from Alcatraz, CA to Washington DC in 1978 alongside Muhammad Ali, Buffy Ste Marie and Floyd Red Crow Westerman who became lifelong friends. With the Trail of Broken Treaties, David played a lot of benefits with many performers across Indian Country. He later went on to travel to Europe playing throughout Germany.

David always had the perspective of how things always affected our Native people. He was a member of the AIM movement in the 1970’s as an Ogitchidaa, standing up for the rights of American Indians which carried over into his life. David was a fierce advocate for Native rights across the United States and especially here at Odaawaa Zaagaa’iganing. David would be the first one to stand up for the rights of Tribal members here at LCO and advocated for change in many ways over the years.

David had friends all over the world, especially Indian Country. He was always ready and able to play alongside a variety of musicians with his many talents. He will be remembered for his poetry, songs of the Northwoods and Reservation life, beautiful music, his good spirit and humor and especially his unique voice.

He is survived by his children Netahwis Baker, Kateri (Jeremy) Wheelock & David Baker Jr.; two grandchildren; sister Maryellen Baker; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lawrence Baker, Sylba Adams “Charles” Baker Sr., Odric Baker Sr., Patrick Baker & Alvin Baker Sr; sister Nola Elizabeth Baker; grandparents Charles & Margaret (Crow) Smith and Henry & Rose (Mitchell) Baker.

Midewiwin Funeral Rites and visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 6th at Big Drum Ceremonial Center in Lac Courte Oreilles and will continue with final teachings at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024. Brian Corbiere will officiate. Burial will be at Abiinooji Aki, Cultural Healing Center in Lac Courte Oreilles.

Honorary casket bearers will be Al Baker Jr., Charles Baker Jr., Douglas Baker, Pat Baker Jr. Don Carley, Joe “Post” Grover, Dale Kakak, Jonesy Miller, Gary Quaderer Sr. and Bobby “Bullet” St. Germaine.

Casket Bearers will be John Baker, Robert Baker Sr., Edward Bowker, Arnold Corbine Jr., Honyere DeMain, Willard Gougé and Ernest King Jr.

Last Update: Mar 06, 2024 1:26 pm CST