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Obituaries

Journey to the Spirit World

This page serves as a space to honor and remember the lives of our tribal members who have passed away. Here, we come together as a compassionate and supportive community to pay tribute to their legacies.

Obituary picture of Miles Roy
Miles Roy

Born: July 24, 1962
Journeyed to the Spirit World: July 15, 2021

Miles A. Roy,  “Wakan hdi ta can ku” 58, Flandreau passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021 at his home in Flandreau. Miles was born in Minneapolis, MN to Patricia (Taylor) and Jerry Roy.  Miles attended the AIM Survival School. He is one of the founding AIM Survival students.  Miles grew up in Minneapolis, MN.  He then moved with his family to White Earth Ojibwe Reservation where his father was from. Miles received his GED and attended Detroit Lakes Vo-Tech where he earned certification as an Electrician. Miles also lived in Grass Mountain Community on the Rosebud Sicangu Reservation. Miles lived in Phoenix, AZ for a short time and then moved to Flandreau, SD up until his passing. 

Miles grew up in the American Indian Movement in the late 60s and early 70s. His family was instrumental in the creation of the AIM Survival School. He was part of many demonstrations, takeovers and marches on behalf of indigenous rights.  Miles enjoyed hunting, fishing and ricing on White Earth. Miles was a fire keeper all his life at Crow Dog’s Paradise. Miles was a member of the Native American Church and a Sun Dancer. 

Miles did electrical work for community and family members. He was part providing the electrical work at Royal River Casino.  He was a black jack dealer for many years at Royal River Casino. Miles was an avid Minnesota professional and college sports fan.  Miles learned to play many cards games as a young boy. His favorite card games were cribbage and pinochle. Miles was in a dart league for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and softball. He pitched and played on two softball teams up to the time of his passing.  He was the uncle who always came with toys for his nieces, nephews, and grandkids at birthdays and Christmas.  Royal River Casino was considered his home and spent every day playing poker, blackjack, visiting friends while watching sports or playing cribbage.  He was a proud member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and respected elder.  He will be missed by his family but we are at peace knowing he is with his beloved family and ancestors. He will also missed by his community and his Royal River family.

Miles is survived by his brother Jean Paul (JP) (Marlene Benally) Roy, Flandreau, SD.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grand kids. Miles was preceded in death by this mother Patricia, father Jerry, brothers Josh, Mike, Ted (Teddy Bear) Roy, nephew Mike Roy, maternal grandparents Anne Flower and Ted Taylor, paternal grandparents Henry and Sylvia Roy, one aunt and two uncles.

Have an awesome journey! Free Leonard Peltier!

Services will be Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center, Flandreau with burial in First Presbyterian Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation will begin 6:00 pm  Sunday at the community center with a traditional all night wake service and continue Monday with a Native American Church all night wake service.