Cedar Marie Buckanaga

Cedar Marie Buckanaga, 15 years young, “Migizi” which means “Eagle”, of Mahnomen, Minnesota began her journey to the spirit world on Saturday, October 9th, 2021, from the Mahnomen Health Center in Mahnomen, MN.  She was born the daughter of Nicole (Beaulieu) and Curtis Buckanaga on May 31st, 2006, in Bemidji, MN.

Cedar belonged to the Sturgeon Clan and was very devoted to the Midewiwin Lodge.  She grew up going to Midewiwin ceremonies and looked forward to going every year.  One of Cedar’s favorite places to be was in sugar bush.  She was trustworthy, loyal, supportive and had the heart of a Mukwa.  Her laugh and smile were contagious and brought happiness to those around her.  Cedar loved music and always had to be the DJ.  She enjoyed cooking for her family, and she had a special bond with her baby sister Pretty.  Cedar loved her siblings very much, as well as her friends and lodge family.  She was proud to belong to the Lodge, to her Clan and to be a Leech Lake Pillager.  She is loved and will be missed beyond anything the English language could do justice.

Her grandpa’s Jason Bongo, and Charles “Chuck” Buckanaga and her great grandparents Jim and Donna Beaulieu welcome Cedar to the spirit world.

She leaves behind her parents; Nicole Buckanaga of Mahnomen and Curtis Buckanaga of Bemidji, sisters; Hazel and Charli Buckanaga, Oginii Joseph, Miskwaanakwadook Buckanaga and baby sister, Mawandoobinesiik Buckanaga, brothers; Curtis Jr., Ezhashowe and Giniw Buckanaga, grandmas; Carol White, Janet Martin and Faye Neeland, her favorite auntie; Crystal Donnell-Beaulieu, nephew; Carlos Zamora III and numerous other family and friends.

Gizaagi’igoo Migizi

An overnight wake for Cedar will begin at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, October 13th and continue until her 10:00 a.m. Midewiwin service on Thursday, October 14th all being held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, MN.  Naabek will be her Spiritual Advisor.  Those helping to lay Cedar to rest are Jesse Neadeau, Justin Neadeau, Jeremiah Churchill, Curtis Buckanaga, Jr., Giniw Buckanaga, Carlos Zamora, Sr., Tristan Johnson, Draye Sargent, Brett Beaulieu and Sam Sargent.  Her honorary pallbearers are Tamia Varney, Autavia Rainey, Payton Gregg and all her sisters.  Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery at Bena following her Thursday service.

Cedar’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com