Charles C. Yellow Bird-Steele was born on August 1, 1972 in Pine Ridge, SD to Robert Yellow Bird, Sr. and Joanne Cross-Yellow Bird. Charles made his journey to the Spirit World on November 17, 2024 in Manderson, SD.
Charles attended Survival School until the 4th grade where he then attended Pine Ridge OCS. He then attended Bennet County High School but later finished at LaCreek College Center with his GED. He then went on to further his education, therefore acquiring his Associates Degree for Lakota Language Arts. Charles was a Sundancer, and a Lakota singer where he enjoyed singing and teaching Lakota. He was also an active AIM Activist and security for Sundance.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Liberty Yellow Bird and Emily Yellow Bird; sisters, Robin Yellow Bird and Jennifer Yellow Bird; brothers, Wesley Cross, Clinton Yellow Bird, Buffalo Yellow Bird, and Wambli Yellow Bird, Sr.; and numerous nieces, nephews and takojas.
Charles was reunited with his son, Arrow Yellow Bird; father, Robert Roy Yellow Bird, Sr.; mother, Joanne Cross-Yellow Bird; brother, Robert Roy Yellow Bird, Jr.(Fat’s); sisters, Sunset Star Yellow Bird, and Zintkala Zi Win; and hunka brothers, Bernie Richards, Bryant Quiver and Lance Cottier.
Pallbearers will be JD Fly, Russell Fly, Ron Cross, Kevin Cross, Adam Weasel, Luke Weasel, Maurice Poor Thunder, and Joel Miller.
Honorary pallbearers will be Crow Dog Family, Fly Family, Poor Thunder Family, Cross Family, Cedar Face Family, Morton Family, Lori (Siers) Yellow Bird, Ponca Nation Camp Families, Tom Amiotte & Family, West Family, Sierra Family, Mahayla & Family, Chase Alone Family, Red Cloud Families, Sherri Kay Red Shirt-Yellow Bird & Family, Toni Herrera & Family, Lisa LeDeaux, All AIM & Sundancers, and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: Two night wake service starting at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the LaCreek CAP Office in Martin, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM each night.
Funeral Services: 12:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024 at the LaCreek CAP Office in Martin, SD.
Officiating: Hermus Poor Thunder
Traditional Lakota Services: Jim Cross
Burial Services: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Wounded Knee, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD