Charlotte "Joan" Assiniboine

~Binesi Ikwe~

“Thunderbird Woman”

With great sadness we announce the passing of Charlotte Joan Assiniboine on April 1, 2018 at the age of 61.

Predeceased by her parents Rosemary & Jim Assiniboine, brothers Harold, Dennis, Kenny, Curtis & Feralin Assiniboine and partner Edward Desjardin.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Edward (Stephanie) Houle, Destini Houle and Jodi Altenburg, all of Long Plain First Nation, grandchildren Brandon, Jade, Alexander, Nyya, Sebastian, Sabrina/Charlie, Rishawn, Shyla, Shauntey, Shaundre, Tracayne and Shanaya, great grandchildren Camden & Ivory and siblings Del (Sandra) Assiniboine – Long Plain, Maggie Myran-Assiniboine – Long Plain, James (Trudy) Assiniboine – Long Plain, Kathy Assiniboine – Edmonton AB and Lisa (Farrell) Assiniboine – Long Plain, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

Born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and grew up on the Long Plain First nation. At a young age, she left Long Plain with a few of her siblings and some close friends to work on the Carnival. They travelled Canada and the United States for a short time. She eventually came home and started a family. After having her 3 children and encouragement from family she decided to pursue her education. She attended Brandon University where she received her Bachelor of Education degree. She returned home where she was a teacher for over 25 years at the Long Plain School. She absolutely loved her students. She had a special bond with them. From all stories told by her former students they loved her just the same. She continued to work until her health forced her to quit. She became a stay at home grandma to her grandchildren. She loved all of them dearly, she did her best to give them the best. She loved to talk about her grandchildren and spend time with them.

Joan had such a big heart for everyone that crossed her path. She always had a hug to give. She loved to stop and talk to her friends. She was a very caring person, if she could help someone out, she would. Always had a smile on her face and loved to joke with people.

Joan loved sewing, beading and reading. She loved to sew outfits for her grandchildren and watch them dance at powwows. She loved to bead anything that would give her a challenge, she beat the challenge with ease. She also loved her novels and magazines.

One of Joan’s biggest enjoyments was listening to her nephew Chante sing powwow. Every time he had a performance to do she would go see him and give him words of encouragement, give him a great big hug, kiss him and say “I love you, sonny boy”. When he would return she would find him and say “I want to see the video, I am so proud of you”. They had a special bond.

Wake for Joan will be held April 4, 2018 at 4 pm at the Spirit Lodge, Long Plain. Traditional feast will begin at Noon on April 5, 2018 at the Spirit Lodge, Long Plain. Funeral services to follow, where she will be buried at the Long Plain Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Dennis Myran, Eugene Assiniboine, James Assiniboine, Chris Meeches, Brandon Smoke and Alexander Houle.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021