Melvin was born and raised on the Siksika Nation in the Cluny area. Melvin was predeceased by his common law wife for many years Leona Cutter. He is also predeceased by his paternal father Paul Running Bird, as well as his special aunts the (late) Nancy Melting Tallow, Mary Royal, and the (late) Miss Cutter and family. His father was a coal miner as well as a farmer. Melvin’s mother was the (late) Mary Cayenne (Running Bird), who was a housewife. Melvin was the only son in the family, and he had 4 sisters who have passed away, (late) Teresa Sleigh, (late) Rosalyn Saddleback (Leather) and Mavis Crowchild  and the youngest of the sisters is Rose who is residing in Calgary and also predeceased by uncle Jack Bigeye. Melvin Lived at Clifton Manor in Calgary for many years. He made many accomplishments in his younger years, such as attending University of Calgary and graduated with a 4.8 GPA. Melvin also enjoyed playing many sports. His favorite sport was basketball, then hockey, and baseball, as well as riding horses. Melvin received many trophy's and medals for the sports he played.