Alexander Sherman Gwin “Ida xaxi’ ahush” “Has many Pintos” was born on October 2nd, 1978 to Alexander Lee Gwin and Arden Rae Boxer in Poplar, Montana. Alexander began his journey home in the afternoon of Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 in Mandaree, ND.
Alexander spent his elementary school years in Mandaree where he graduated High School in 1998. He played basketball for the Mandaree Warriors throughout his High School years.
Alex moved back to Poplar, Montana after High School and began a job at the Juvenile Detention Center as a Correctional Officer. He and his brother-in-law, Merrill “Doc” Howling Wolf were both hired at the same time and both attended and graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. Alexander received many trainings and certifications, which helped him advance his career. During his time at the Juvenile Detention Center, he was a correctional Officer, Lead Guard, and then the Correctional Program Specialist. Alex would also go root-digging and was a firefighter. He was a hard worker and did his best to be a good provider.
Alexander was employed at the West Segment Regulatory Commission as a Compliance Officer. He was very proud of his nephew, Rylan Howling Wolf, who also was employed as a Compliance Officer. Due to budget constraints he, and other staff, were furloughed.
His recent position was in the starting phase of the employment process. On the day of his passing, he had just begun the first step. He was very excited to be able to have employment again.
Alex was taught at a very early age to respect and learn his Hidatsa way of life (Maa aru Caawii). He was taught songs and many cultural lifeways by his father. He was a Fire Keeper and helped in any way he could at the Eagle Sundance.
Alex had four siblings. Yvonne, Ellen, Parker and Amber. There was never a dull moment with them. Yvonne and Alex had endless teasing battles that always hit below the belt. Even though he antagonized his older sister, Yvonne, she was just so sweet and innocent to him. They all had a special bond that could not be broken. He was everybody’s protector. There wasn’t a time when he wouldn’t come running if they called for him.
In April of 1996, Alex and Geneva Kazena welcomed their first child, a baby girl, Aliyah Danelle and not long after, in December of 1999, another baby girl followed Ayanna Rae. In September of 2001 Alex met Unity Martell and together they had 7 children; Hunter, Alex Jr., Alizabeth, Blake, Dorian, Gage, and Canté. Alex was very proud to be a Grandpa. It was evident in the way he spoiled them. They could do no wrong in Grandpa’s eyes.
On September 23rd, our father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, left to begin his journey home, in Mandaree, ND. Alexander leaves behind his Mom, Arden Boxer; His sisters and Brother, Yvonne (Merrill), Ellen, Parker (Lauren), and Amber; His children, Aliyah (Tino), Ayanna (Hoksina), Hunter (Marea), Alexander Jr. (Andrea), Alizabeth, Blake, Dorian, Gage, and Canté; His grandchildren, Zakiyah, Zander, Ason, Ashtyn, Lunah, Wylex, Za’Rose and Zaiken. And his special friend, Andrea Lucio.