Melanie Ashley Angela Renee Longclaws

“Mashkode Bizhiki Ikwe”

“Buffalo Woman”

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Darius (father Wendall Monkman), and Ari; Mother Mildred Longclaws; siblings:  Breanne Belanger, Grant (Sierra) Belanger, George Belanger and; maternal aunty Maxine Longclaws; maternal uncles Aldred Longclaws, Albert (Katherine) Longclaws, Arnold (Kim) Longclaws, Glen (Maureen) Longclaws, and Christopher Longclaws; paternal grandmother Rose Belanger, paternal aunties Una Belanger, and Lydia Belanger; numerous nieces, nephews.

She was predeceased by her father Gavin George Belanger (November 2, 2011), paternal grandfather Robert Belanger; paternal uncles Gerald Belanger, Robert Belanger, Edwin Belanger, Greg Belanger, and Henry Belanger; maternal grandparents Alfred and Florence Longclaws, maternal uncle Gerald Longclaws; maternal cousin Vincent Longclaws; maternal great-grandparents Herbie and Violet Peters; and paternal great-grandparents Jerry and Clara Longclaws.

Melanie grew up and spent most of her life in Winnipeg.  She adored her sons and spending quality time with them.  She loved her grandparents so much. She chose to carry on the surname Longclaws.  Melanie was educated in Winnipeg and graduated high school at Yellowquill College.  She had a great sense of humor and developed many friendships, often contacting friends and family to keep connected.  She was especially proud of her children and was a spiritual person who attended the Sundance.  She loved to cook and enjoyed having BBQs with her siblings.  She was the big sister who guided her siblings in work ethics, school, cultural ways and very family oriented.  She was very close to her cousin Genevieve Longclaws and many other cousins.   Melanie would want everyone to share memories and to keep smiling and to be grateful for all the time she was able to enjoy with all her family and friends.

Wake will be held at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Feast and Traditional Service will be held at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12:00 pm.

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