Yellow Medicine Root Matte

Yellow Medicine Root Matte

aka “Rootie” Simon Matte

July 29, 1993 - July 26, 2026

Youngest son of Warren Matte and Wilma Simon Matte was a Gros Ventre member of Fort Belknap Reservation (Montana) and Aamjiwnaang First Nation Ojibway of southern Ontario Canada. Root is survived by brother Eagle Feather (Jane Van Ert) sisters Kimberly Kay (late Chip Pewitt); Vernie Webber; Clear Sky Woman Matte (Tim Goulet); Little Owl Woman Davis (Daniel Ortiz) and Flying Low Eagle Woman Matte. Brother Warren Matte Jr (aka Lead Buffalo) and sister Melissa (“Poosa”) preceded him in death. Root leaves numerous aunties and uncles, nephews/nieces: Preston, Koshay, Maddox, Beckett, Avery, Hunter, Isabella, Louis, LaShay, Liam, Olivia, Jade, Paige, Jermaine, Chantel, Braden, Skylynn, Kakoan, Izak, Cheyenne, Desarae, Jackie, Jessica, Jazmine, Jaylina and Joni.

Root was a pipe carrier. Root had worked in food service, furniture delivery and commercial truck driving. He had schooled in Regina, Oceanman First Nation, Red Pheasant First Nation, Dodson, and Las Vegas elementary eventually graduating from Sierra Vista high school Grade 12. He excelled in baseball and hockey. Favorite activities were pow wow, round dance, football and video games and chilling with family and friends. Most of all he was a people person and wannabe counselor who listened to his circle of family and friends. A devoted cat daddy who prioritized his three fur babies Tequila, Jinx and Freya. Root will be missed by his companion brothers Daniel, RJ and Matt. Family are ever grateful to staff of Southern Hills and Mountain View Las Vegas hospitals after a lengthy illness. Donations can be made to any animal shelter and the Red Cross. By way of honor, practice self care in love, kindness and deep respect for Indigenous cultural ways. Help each other through grief, anxiety, self isolation and depression when "hearts are on the ground".  Burial Services are at the Wathatau Center, Lower Peoples Creek, on July 31, 2026 at noon, with final burial at the Matte ranch cemetery hill. Root, we are going to miss your love and witty sense of humor.

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