Manuel Redwoman
Kills At Night (Taa’evena’hane)
Born December 5, 1967 to Josephine Whistling Elk and Daniel Whitewolf in Lame Deer, MT.
He grew up in the Billings and Lockwood area until 1979 when the family moved back home to Lame Deer. He attended school in Lockwood, Fred Graff Elementary in Laurel and Lame Deer Elementary Public Schools and received his GED from Chief Dull Knife College and attended classes after getting his GED.
Manuel spent part of his childhood roaming the hills in Lame Deer with his younger siblings and cousins. He would ride his bike and hookie-bob with his crew during the winter. After leaving the Lame Deer area in 1996 he lived in Billings up until he was incarcerated in Deer Lodge, MT.
He was the Little Brother, but he was bigger not only physically but in heart and spirit. Manuel loved intensely and was extremely protective of his sisters. He loved helping with nieces and nephews helping to raise them with much laughter and a gentle hand. We never heard him raise his voice to any of the little ones. They looked for Uncle Manuel and wanted to be around him and helped raise Laymond Brien.
He was currently living in the Missoula area where he became seriously ill.
Manuel is survived by his siblings, Catherine (Vince) Flores, Joyce Threefingers, Clyde (Sarah) Redwoman, Arbutus Redwoman, Ann (Porter) Knowshisgun, Jolene Threefingers, Rueben Ridgebear, John (Sharon) Threefingers, Lillian (Daniel) Big Man, Jocelyn Little Boy, Joan Little Boy, Judas Threefingers, Paul Gibbs Jr. nieces, Shacazie Redwoman, Yesenia Redwoman, Bethany Redwoman, Zenaida Soto, J’Leesa Booker, Tiffany Booker, Annie Redwoman, Blooming Rose Redwoman, Kassie Big Man, nephews, Emmanuel Whistling Elk, Caleb Redwoman, Clyde Redwoman Jr., Curtis (Lindi) Elkshoulder Jr., Todd Elkshoulder, Daniel Booker Jr. Aunts, Mae Whistling Elk and Lanelle Ballard. Special friends, Jim Robertson, Brigitte Thimiakis, Fern Gill, Dominique LaRede.
Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Whistling Elk, Daniel Whitewolf, Grandparents, John Whistling Elk, Carrie Deafy, sisters, Iris Whistling Elk, Rosalie Redwoman, Blossom Redwoman, Judy Threefingers, Justina Threefingers, and Jamie Little Boy, brother Richard Whistling Elk, aunts, Lillian Threefingers, Newta Mae Whistling Elk, nieces, Sarah Josephine, Martika, Tina Threefingers, and Jolynn Other Bull, nephews, Jake Other Bull, Clyde Redwoman Jr..
Extended family is: Whistling Elk, Redwoman, Brady, Tallbull, Whitedirt, Sooktis, Whitewolf, Seminole, Threefingers, Bearquiver, Deafy and Roundstone.
We love all of our family and we apologize if we left any other family members out. We have much on our minds and our hearts are heavy.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
8:00 pm
Friday April 11, 2025
Booker Residence
601 Running Bear Street
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday April 12, 2025
Booker Residence
601 Running Bear Street
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 12, 2025
Whistling Elk Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
8:00 pm
Friday April 11, 2025
Booker Residence
601 Running Bear Street
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday April 12, 2025
Booker Residence
601 Running Bear Street
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 12, 2025
Whistling Elk Family Cemetery
Busby, Montana 59016
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Al Swilling says
I communicated with Manuel when he was incarcerated about the prison’s refusal to allow Indigenous prisoners to worship the Creator according to their spiritual beliefs, refusing to allow sweats and other spiritual ceremonies. I worked with others, confronting the state and the prison about prisoners’ right to worship according to their spiritual beliefs. Thanks to Manuel’s calling attention to the violation of their rights, we were able to secure their right to a sweat lodge and to worship the Creator according to tribal customs. I will remember Manuel as a person who stood up for his rights and for the rights of others. He will be missed.
Al Swilling says
My sincere condolences to Manuel’s family and friends.
Jim "JR" Robertson says
I have stood by Manuel for nearly 25 years. We talked at times about his situation, his decisions, his life. Manuel had a difficult life. One that some look at from the outside, questioning the decisions he made. I knew he questioned some decisions, some actions. But I also know that Manuel wanted to do the right thing for others. He tried his best to stand up for the rights, the protection of others. It wasn’t always easy, or possible, given the circumstances of his life. But he tried. Manuel was a brother to me. Closer than my own brother. To me, Manuel was a warrior who sacrificed the potential of his life to protect others. He stepped up and did what most could never do. And it cost him dearly. His friends stood by him through it all, for many years. He was loved very much, even though at times he was frustrating. We talked of his thoughts of his path for the next decade. I am devasted he will not get to walk that journey. His passing leaves a huge hole in some lives. You will be greatly missed my brother!
Brigitte Thimiakis says
My family and I extend our warmest sympathy to Manuel’s family during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved him dearly.
Manuel was an extraordinary man, wise, proud, with a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of humor. He was also very caring, loyal, and extremely protective of his family and friends – of all his loved ones. He always did his utmost to help and support his People, and anyone around him who needed assistance, regardless of ethnicity, age or religion. He dedicated his life to protecting the children and founded a group, “Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children”, working tirelessly to help as many as he could. He was also very brave, and in spite of the risks, with his courageous actions he managed to put an end to many violations of Indigenous religious rights in Montana. He even fought for the religious rights of those who had different religions, he fought against the ongoing racism, and supported those whose serious medical issues were denied. He always stayed humble, and determined.
Manuel had many talents as well, and was a very gifted artist, drawing amazing artwork, and creating incredibly beautiful traditional horsehair and beadwork.
In 1999, Manuel blessed me with a strong, everlasting, beautiful friendship, during which he taught me a lot, and it has truly been a joy and an honor to be his friend. I still can’t believe he is gone. He is so missed, and will always be remembered. I pray with all my heart that he now rests in peace with his ancestors.
In spirit,
Brigitte – Honor Your Spirit, Protect The Children
Dominique LARREDE says
I have known Manuel and have been by his side for almost 23 years. All this started with a simple letter written on letter paper decorated with one of his drawings which was sold to help the children on his reservation. I felt honored thereafter when he asked me and trusted me to be part of his group “Honor Your Spirit, Protect the Children”. It was one of his many actions he managed to carry out.
Despite the risks and even the direct consequences for himself, he never hesitated to fight, in particular for the religious rights or medical care in the prison. Even there too, the little he had he shared with others.
Hundreds of letters followed, making us closer and closer. I could spend every afternoon with him for two weeks when he was in Deer Lodge and I came back again to spend time with him, seven years later, when he was in Missoula.
Manuel faced so many very hard things and trials throughout his life, but all those who knew him can testify of his courage, strength, determination and pride, he fought till the last minute.
I knew his deep wounds inside him which also explained his behavior at times, but Manuel was deeply a good person. I was in his heart and he was in mine, and after all our dreams and hopes, his departure in such circumstances leaves a deep feeling of injustice and an immense void and grief. I also want to express my deep condolences and support to his family.
“Manuel, may you continue on your Way to Ma’heo’o now, be in peace and with those you loved and missed so much”. You will always and forever be in my heart, thoughts and prayers”