Matthew Paul Little

Matthew Paul Little, “Ota Wicaku” (Gives A Lot) 45 of Maple Grove, Minnesota formerly of the Spirit Lake Nation passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Matthew Paul, son of Millicent (Chaske) and Paul Little was born in Minneapolis on January 14, 1978. At a young age, he moved with the family to Fort Totten and attended Four Winds High School.

He dedicated his life to traveling to pow-wows throughout the United States and singing and drumming and helping his people with his songs of encouragement and love. He also was a talented artist making many different types of drums.

Matthew married Margaret Elk and they made their home in Cannonball, ND. He cared for Margaret until her death on July 10, 2013.

After her death, Matthew again traveled around the area and for the past year has made his home in the Minneapolis area.

Matthew is survived by his loving family. His mother Millicent Little; brothers Marlin Little, Arthur Little, Butch Little and James Little;  grandchildren Winona IR Jay) Greywater, Faleria Ohlquist, Anthony Falcon, Scott Kraft and Phyllis Simmons; adopted father Alan Gleason; sisters Patricia Kraft, Barbara (Burton) Jackson and Paula Little Thompson; adopted sister Peggy Cavanaugh and her family; nieces Patrice Falcon and Rena (John) Lohnes ; nephew Tony Alonzo Simmons; aunts and uncle John and Ramona Chaske, Catherine Howard; many cousins and other dear family members.

He was preceded in death by his father Paul S. Little, grandparents George and Emma Little, Joseph and Maryann Chaske, Thomas and Julia Siaka, brothers  Tyrone Chaske and Merlin Little, uncles and aunts Ambrose and MaryLouise Thompson, Winfield and Evelyn Chaske, Big Joe and Corrine Chaske, Bernice and Darlene Chaske, Martin Little, Alma Nichols, cousins Winfield Jr, “June Buggs”, Walden, John Jr., Melissa Chaske and Sam Lambert.

Honorary Bearers: Deb (Tony) LaVallie, Lisa (Tim) Chaske, Colleen (Gary Jr.) Chaske, Jolleen (Waylon Sr.) St. Clair, Willard (Maggie) Chaske, Montana Chaske, Camerone Chaske, Willard Chaske Jr., Reggie Chaske, Waynita Chaske and family, Wanda (Vincent) Littleghost and family, Sean Lambert, Jolene Anderson and family, Wayne Chaske, Thompson family, Littlewind family, WalkingEagle family, Thomas family, Brown family, Gourd family, Tyson Sullivan and family. Matthew made many friends as he traveled the country. If we missed naming someone it was not intentional. Please forgive us as we grieve the loss of our dear family member.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Crow Hill Recreation Center. Burial Services will be on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Pasture, east of Fort Totten.