OBITUARY

Melvin Earl Littlecrow

16 May, 1942 – 14 March, 2021

Littlecrow, Melvin Earl - Wičaŋȟpi Oyáte (Nation of Stars) May 16, 1942 – March 14, 2021 On March 14, 2021, Senator Melvin Littlecrow was called home to the Spirt World. Left to mourn are his children Steven, Kevin, Rachel, Diane, Curtis and Janet; brothers David & Leslie, Sisters Emma, Freda & Lucille, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many, many friends. In a small log cabin located on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation (WDFN), Melvin Littlecrow was born on May 16, 1942. As a young boy, he spent most of his time with his late grandfather, Harry Littlecrow. At the young age of 5, his grandfather began teaching him how to respect, train, ride and break horses. Melvin has never forgotten these teachings from his grandfather and has passed these teachings down to his children and grandchildren. Horses have always been a part of his life. From 1975 to 2012, his passion was to train and race horses in chuck-wagon and chariot races that took him to countless little towns and numerous First Nation communities to participate in their sports days. In recognition of his dedication and commitment to the sport of Chuckwagon & Chariot racing, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) awarded him the “Circle of Honor Indian Government Lifetime Achievement Award”. In 2000, Melvin established Littlecrow Stables and has left 13 horses to also mourn his passing. The horse life was his way of life. For many of his younger years, Melvin was a reinforcing iron worker. His sons and grandsons also followed in his footsteps and are currently employed in that trade. Later, he served as a Councillor for WDFN, Advisory Committee member to the Office of the Chief, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation Board Member, just to name a few. In 2007, the Saskatoon Tribal Council appointed Melvin to the Senate of the FSIN. During this time, he became very good friends with Senator George Peeace and Senator Pat Johnstone. Melvin was a respected Elder, fluent in the Dakota language and carried on the traditional and cultural ways of the Dakota people as taught to him by his grandfather. He generously shared his knowledge on the history of WDFN as well as the cultural and traditional teachings with his family, friends, community and various organizations including the Western Development Museum. Over the years, the WDFN leadership relied on his guidance and advice in building the Nation and moving the community forward. Special thanks to Chief Darcy Bear for always being there for Melvin. Throughout the years, Melvin overcame many obstacles including divorce, alcoholism, quintuple bypass heart surgery, diabetes and renal failure. In 1986, Melvin decided to live a sober life and showed his children that addictions can indeed be overcome. Today his children also live a sober life. He was the best role model as he lived his life by example. He was a straight talker and didn’t mince words at the same time showing his kindness. Right up to his passing his mind was sharp, he was witty, had an awesome sense of humor and was very generous. Predeceased by … Parents Andrew and Jessie Littlecrow, brothers Wilbert Littlecrow, Francis Littlecrow, Edgar Littlecrow, sister Wilma Chatsis, daughter Maxine Bear, son Roland Villeneuve and grandchildren Devon and Donavon Bear.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those that cared for him, provided care to him and helped make his life comfortable as he dealt with his health issues. Special mentions to the following: WDFN Chief & Council WDFN Health Centre Lorne, Clayton, William and Darwin Waditika Nancy Linklater & Ron Thompson Lyndon J. & Terri Bear-Linklater Teedly & Blue Jay Linklater Doreen and Don Lavallee Bayshore Nursing Dr. Chance Dumaine, Nurse Clinicians and many of the nurses at the St. Paul’s Renal unit Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief, Mark Arcand and member Chiefs Dakota Dunes Golf Links Mike Jacobs, GM Elmer Eagle

Public Viewing: All COVID-19 provincial restrictions will be followed. Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM Location: Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK

Private family wake and service will follow. Arrangements in care of Mandi Wersch – Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre. 306.955.1600

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Annmarie Tarry

7 April 2021

Condolences from us we worked many years with Melvin and will miss his smile and his sense of humour. Rest easy my friend
Howard and Annmarie

Pat Horner

30 March 2021

Sending sincerest condolences to Melvin’s family. We were great friends but lost contact in later years. He supplied hay for my horses for many years. Many coffee times at the auction - an honest , respectful and true friend.
He will be missed.

Rob Oullette

23 March 2021

It’s with great sadness to learn of Melvin’s passing. My deepest condolences to the entire Littlecrow family. Rob Ouellette

Iver Johnson

23 March 2021

Many great memories of Melvin starting from when I was a young fellow as he worked for my family when he was a young man,Through the years when we met there was a handshake and a smile and always a visit and most likely it was about horses.Sincere condolences to all that knew him,we have lost a good friend.Rest easy Melvin.

Charlotte McGregor

23 March 2021

Dear Cousins David and Leslie, Emma, Freda and Lucille, and the Littlecrow families: It is with great sadness that we hear this news of Melvin’s passing and want to wish each one of you our heartfelt condolences. The one word we would use to describe Melvin is Respect...he was respected by all because he in turn always showed his Respect to others.
We will miss that gentle handshake, the smile he gave you when extracting the latest happenings from you , and the respect so freely given... love from Marion’s girls- Kathy & Randy, Charlotte & Allan, Karen & Robert, Glenda

Arny Froese

23 March 2021

Sorry to hear about Melvins passing, always enjoyed my visits with Melvin at rodeos or horse events. Condolences to the family.

Colleen Troesch & Tony Kuchapski

23 March 2021

Tony & I are deeply saddened to hear of Senator Melvin Littlecrow’s passing. He was a very gentle man and we’ve both had the honor of being at many gatherings witnessing his opening prayers and sharing his friendship. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers to his family , Chief Darcy Bear & Council and members of Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

Wes .

23 March 2021

May your family and friends greet you with smiles and love and journey home safely Melvin ..

Jay & Corey Eddie

23 March 2021

So sorry to hear of your loss. Melvin was an example to so many. He will be missed.

Shirley Greyeyes

23 March 2021

On behalf of the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation, we would like thank Senator Littlecrow for his leadership, guidance, and support. He was a wonderful leader and will be missed.

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