Funeral services for Matthew J. St. John, 37, of Fort Thompson, SD will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Crow Creek Tribal Gymnasium in Fort Thompson, SD with burial in the Lakeview Cemetery at Fort Thompson, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Crow Creek Tribal Gymnasium in Fort Thompson, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday from the funeral home.

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Matthew Joseph Seeking Land-St. John was born on May 13, 1986, to Lorie Seeking Land and Kelley St. John at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Raised by both Seeking Land and St. John families, his upbringing was deeply influenced by his Great- Grandparents, Mary Ann & Ed Barker, and together they raised a very intelligent, kindhearted and respectful warrior. Matthew's given name, Akicita Mato, "Bear Soldier" was handed down to him from his Great-Grandpa Ed Barker.

Matthew attended Crow Creek Tribal Schools for the majority of his life, becoming one of the most decorated student-athletes in Chieftain history. He excelled academically, receiving countless accolades such as Student of the Year, "A" Honor Roll and Talented and Gifted Program honors. He played multiple sports but his athletic prowess and passion was evident in Basketball. He loved to compete and win, and dedicated his time and energy to perfecting his craft. He would be at the School waiting for the kitchen ladies to get in the gym and practice before school. He hooped any chance he got and to continue playing all year long, with the help of his mom, he created the Ruff Ryders basketball team., achieving victories in tournaments across the US. Matthew was devoted to being the best player and teammate, always talking Basketball, he generously shared knowledge and tips to help his team and friends be the best too. Beyond his talent and decorative style of play, he was humble and self-sacrificing, often giving his awards, trophies and winnings, even his clothes and shoes, to his teammates and friends.

By the end of High School, Matthew was known as "Hot Water" on the Basketball court and "HOV" in the classroom. He was also a Lakota Nation Invitational Champion, Dakota Oyate Challenge Champion, District and Region Champion, State "A" Tournament contestant, finishing 4th place and Most Valuable Player as a Freshman and Senior. Matthew experienced and overcame many life changing obstacles in High School and graduated at the top of his Class in 2005.

Matthew continued his education at Presentation College for a semester and then transferred to United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). After completing one semester of the Construction Technology Program, he enrolled in the Small Business Management Program. He excelled in the Program, earning recognition on the Dean's List and as an Honorary Graduate, and completing an Associate of Applied Science Degree. After graduating, he was recommended for the first UTTC Bachelor's of Business Management Program. In the new Program, he was selected for the NASA/AIHEC Summer Research Experience (SRE) Internship and presented an award winning project on NASA Remote Sensing/GIS Training at the Tribal College Forum VII: Climate Crisis and Water Nations are calling for an Awakening in Lawrence, KS. As an academic standout, he received the Best Attitude on Campus award, Graduate Honors in Business Law and Principles of Management by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Matthew graduated as an Honorary Student with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. During his time at UTTC, he was also part of the Thunderbirds Men's Basketball Team, UTTC Men's Basketball Leagues and Wellness Programs.

Matthew entered the work force early in life, often working for his mom's businesses, he stocked shelves at Drifting Goose Road Stop, and worked construction every summer for her contracting company, Drifting Goose Construction. His work ethic led him to further his professional experience and employment at Crow Creek Housing Authority, Circle of Life and finally, our Hunkpati Dakota Nation and Crow Creek Tribal Government. In June 2012, he was hired as a Water Quality Technician for our Environmental Programs (EPA). After a year in the position, he was selected for the Water Quality Coordinator position and served our Tribe in that capacity for seven (7) years. Matthew loved his job and working for our Tribe, but he knew he was needed by our People and with the support of his family and loved ones, he decided to run for Tribal Council and Leadership position. In 2020, he was voted for and elected by Tribal members to his first term as Tribal Councilmember and Representative of Fort Thompson District. He led and protected our People through a worldwide pandemic and numerous challenges. His impactful initiatives, advocation for advancement, and unwavering support for Tribal and members interests, he was re-elected to Tribal Council for the 2022-2024 term.

One of his most valued accomplishments as a Tribal Leader was the renovation of our Tribal Gymnasium. He wanted to create a  safe and positive space for our People, especially for our Youth. He also assisted in the establishment of various Tribal Businesses and Programs, including Hunkpati Meat Processors, Hunkpati Propane, Hunkpati Sand and Gravel, MMIW Awareness Program, High Plainz Dispensary, Tribal Farm and Ranch, Unci's House, and the re-implementation of the General Welfare and Assistance Program. Matthew was always the first one to make a motion or vote for requests that were in the best interest of our People and he was given the nickname, "Motion Matt".

Matthew is survived by his son, Ray Crow, his soulmate and Bae, Mariah Pearl Sazue, his mother Lorie Ann Seeking Land, his father Kelley St. John, his brothers Jacob Seeking Land and Josh (Brittney) Seeking Land, his maternal grandmother, Carole Seeking Land, his uncles and aunts: Christina "Mama Bumper" Seeking Land, Gregory "Bim" Seeking Land, Bonnie St. John, Brenda St. John, Sandra Sepulveda, Glenda St. John, Mary St. John, Odell "Muggs" St. John, Jim St. John, Kevin St. John and special aunt Cheryl Susie Voice. He was loved by numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.

Welcoming him through the Milky Way, will be his and Mariah's Son, Matthew Joseph Seeking Land Jr., Great-Grandparents, Mary Ann & Ed Barker, Odell & Doris St. John, Hosea & Eunice (Day) Ree, Soloman & Ruth (Sargeant) St. John, Grandpa Emery Loudner, Uncles Emery, Victor, Phillip and Keith St. John, Aunty Carlita St. John, Cousins Taelonna Seeking Land, Gaston Voice, Tammy St. John, his bro Vinnie Brewer, and Seeking Land Descendant - Chief Drifting Goose.

A proud Hunkpati, Matthew cherished his loved ones, people, our history and culture. He voted and advocated for us until his last moments. His legacy includes the positive impact he made on the Hunkpati Nation through his leadership, compassion and resilience. Matthew Joseph Seeking Land-St. John will be remembered as a dedicated and genuine Hunkpati Dakota warrior and leader.