Ejay Smith

Ejay Smith, age 63, journeyed to the spirit world from his home in Bemidji, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 15, 2020. 

Ejay was born in Red Lake, Minnesota, on September 10, 1955, to Herbert and Delores (Pierre) Smith.  He graduated from Red Lake High School and spent much of his life in Minneapolis and in traveling. His travels to North and South Dakota led him to spend time with some Dakota people who helped him to travel a road that led to 33 years of sobriety and embracing his native culture. Ejay was extremely proud of his sobriety and served as a CD Counselor. He was a traditional dancer and singer, a sun dancer and pipe carrier. He enjoyed working on his regalia and loved to travel, especially to powwows. He was very involved in his culture and also respected other native traditions. Ejay embraced all of life, including working on his vehicles and was a jack of all trades. He showed great courage in his six-year battle with pancreatic/colon cancer.

Ejay is welcomed to the spirit world by his parents, son Clarence, daughter Tonya, granddaughters Illiana Littlewolf Tyndall and Mea Rose Romo, and Uncle George Earth. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Calsandra (Tyndall) Smith, whom he married in 2007. He also leaves behind his sons Macy Cree Smith, Joseph Erler, Negonibenais Smith, Casey Smith, Haysautuh Tyndall, Darryl Pelly and Brian Pelly; daughters Amanda Saumsoci and Tara Smith; 13 grandchildren; brothers Bruce Slinkman and Herbert Smith; sisters Annette Johnson, Cathy Fobister, Clarice Cloud, Vicky Smith, Marilyn Smith, Tracey Smith, Alberta Smith, Patricia Smith and Diane Smith; and father-in-law Malcolm Tyndall Sr., as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

A traditional wake will begin Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 2:00pm, at Little Rock Community Center, and will continue until the service on Thursday, August 20, at 11:00 am. Arnold Kingbird “Niizhoobines” will be his Spiritual Advisor.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Red Lake. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Daniel Wheeler at Sanford Medical Center and Hospice Nurse Ken Smith for their constant and caring support during Ejay’s illness.

Arrangements are being provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, Walker, Minnesota.

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