Donald R. Eubanks "Gidagaebinesh" died on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at United Hospital in St. Paul. He was 69 years old.

Donald Ross Eubanks, born November 26, 1954 in Minneapolis, MN to Isabelle Sam Eubanks and James Ross Eubanks. Donald's story is truly inspiring how he paved his way in this life and touched the lives of so many others along the way. He graduated from Minneapolis Community College with a Liberal Arts Degree, Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor's of Social Work, and the University of Minnesota with a Master's of Social Work. Donald worked most recently as an associate professor and Field Director for the Social Work program at Metropolitan State University. His education allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream of serving the Band. He was honored to serve under late Chief Executive Marge Anderson as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians from 1998-2000 and from 2009-2012. He will be remembered for the creation of the "Circle of Health," a tribal member benefit program helping band members with their medical insurance needs, and the development of the Elder Assisted Living Facilities. He was proud to be a part of the Cabinet for the Mille Lacs Band when they won their 1999 Supreme Court case to retain hunting and fishing rights. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services in two roles, first as Director of the Chemical Health Division, and as the Director of Multicultural Affairs for Chemical and Mental Health Services Administration. Don retired in 2021 and continued to participate in the Counter Stories podcast, which will forever hold his vast knowledge and insights about the community and the world. He loved golfing, fishing, and sharing his wisdom and humor through stories. Donald was a loving husband, father, brother, elder, mentor, teacher, advocate, and a powerful voice of change. In every role he took on, he gave it his all and changed it for the better.

He is survived by significant other, Mara Molenaar, children Rafael Eubanks and Gabriella Eubanks. Siblings Charnell Mosley, Debra Barge, Connie Taylor Eubanks, Raymond Eubanks, and David Eubanks.

Preceded in death by his father James Ross Eubanks, his mother Isabelle Sam Eubanks, uncles Herb Sam and David Sam.

The funeral ceremony will begin at 10 A.M. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Chiminsing Community Center in Isle with Baabiitaw officiating.  The wake will begin at dusk on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 also at the center.    Burial will be at Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Isle.