Jason Leroy Birdtail, Jr., also known as “Meat” and carried the Dakota name, Wambdi Inyanke, Running Eagle. He was 35 years old when he started his journey to the Spirit World on January 12, 2024.
Meat was born on May 18, 1988 to Faith Eagleman and Jason Birdtail, Sr. who loved their eldest son. Meat attended high school as a Wild Cat at Harlem High, where he participated in sports and was known to love basketball. He would talk fondly of his cousin, AJ Long Soldier, who was a great basketball player and Meat’s best friend. When Meat was younger he traveled to many powwows with his family and friends, where he was known to be a top contender in the grass dance category, taking home first and second place honors. Many memories were created through family trips to powwows and ceremonies across Montana, Canada, North Dakota, and South Dakota. He loved to hangout and joke around with his friends and relatives, especially his brothers, Hippo and JohnMel. He was particularly proud of his daughter Amar’e, who excelled in school and had the most beautiful eyes.
Meat is survived by his daughter, Amar’e Jean Birdtail. His mother and father, Faith (Jason, Sr.) Birdtail. His brothers, John (Chellz) (Nephew Travis) Birdtail and Wallace “Hippo” (Selena) (Nephews La’Ryan and Alden) Birdtail. Grandfather Emerson Birdtail, Sr. Grandmothers, Delberta Eagleman, Wallene and Maymee Bear. Also John and Diana Allen. His adopted brothers, Todd and John Allen, Josh BigDay, Ty Louis Mount, Lyle Snow, Djay Snow, Monty Snow, Owen Jackson, Taylor First Raised, Devin Clark, Donald Bear, Michael and Wally Crantz, Adrian Fox, Rego Garcia, Micah Shawl and his adopted sisters Christa Allen, Anna Yellow Robe, Sharana Buck, Jessica Cochran, Randi Fetter, Jamie Snow, Ivy Wing, and Fancy Boushie. With numerous family and friends, who loved Meat. And all his life long friends, we apologize for anyone we forgot to mention at this time.
Meat is welcomed to Camp by his grandfathers, Melvin Eagleman, John and Joseph Bear, and Duke King. Along with his grandmothers, Rosella Birdtail, Susan Fast Horse, Ethel Bear, Claudia Bear, Georgina Weasel, Stella Main. His loving and cherished partner, Leah Castillo, with cousins, AJ Long Soldier, Travis First Raise, and Isiah Martin. Families of the Eaglemans, Birdtails, Bears, and Fast Horses.
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, Montana. A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Red Whip in Fort Belknap. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Red Whip in Fort Belknap. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery (Pink Church).
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Auntie Cissy Eagleman & family says
Journey well Nephew. IN my heart, you’ll always be that smiling little boy, healthy, strong, happy and free. Well you’re free again…no hurt, no pain, no sadness. I know you’ll be awaiting for your Mom & Dad, when it’s their time. But you’re also amongst family that passed before you. Please give your Grandpa Melvin and Grandma Susan hugs fir me please. I love you.
You are healed now…
Praying for your Mom, Dad. Baby Girl, brothers, all your families and friends.
Gina says
Faith so much love and prayers and condolences to you and your family. I met Meat through my son Moses many years ago and he talked fondly of those high school & family times. With our love to all of you. Gina Ryan Bearfighter Family.
Emoree Gray says
Rest easy nephew.
My prayers and condolences to you my sister faith and family!