Funeral Service for Anpao Buckanaga, Aŋpao Wicaȟpi Wi, "Morning Star Woman", will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Hall, Sisseton, SD. with Londell Seaboy and John Eagle officiating. There will be an All-Night Wake on Monday, September 22, 2025, starting at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Hall, Sisseton, SD. Drum Group will be Wahpekute. Pall Bearers will be Caleb BirdBear, Matt Dmarce, Cheo Smith, Patrick Naanato, Makasitomni DuMarce, Jeremiah Eastman, Solomon Goodsell Jr. and Isiac Goodsell.  Honorary Pall Bearers will be Jacenta Varnes, Heaven Lee Pipe, Audrey German, Danise Hanson, Lauralei Thompson, Kelli Robertson, Laura Kay, Jeremiah Rodlund, Jadene German, Ron Goodsell and Gary LaFromboise. Drum Group will be Wahpekute. Interment will be at the St. Matthew's Catholic Cemetery, Veblen, SD. Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD, is in charge of arrangements.

Anpao Buckanaga, (Aŋpao Wicaȟpi Wi), was born on June 9, 1975, in Sisseton, South Dakota. She was the beloved daughter of Harry Buckanaga, Jr. and Vera DuMarce. Anpao was an enrolled member of the Sisitunwan-Wahpetowan Dakota Oyate, and was endlessly proud of her heritage and traditions. Raised by her cherished Kunsi, Celine Buckanaga, in Sisseton. Anpao grew up immersed in the rich culture of her people . Anpao attended West Side Elementary School, Sisseton High School, Tiospa Zina High School, and graduated from Flandreau Indian School in 1993. A gifted artist and dedicated community member, Anpao's love of people earned her hundreds of rich friendships across the Midwest. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine care resonated through her work at the Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel, Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Offices, and several tribal enterprises. Her dedication to her community and her tiospaye left a lasting mark, inspiring many through her service and her vibrant spirit. Anpao was a strong asset to SWO recovery work.  Her recovery family, Dakota Plains Recovery Peer Support Group members was help dearly in her heart.

But Anpao's greatest and most shining love was for her children. Her pride and joy were her children—Elijah Daniels, Alayah Buckanaga, Solomon Goodsell Jr., Isiac Goodsell, and Celina Buckanaga. Watching her children grow into the wonderful, smart, and dedicated individuals they are today was her ultimate source of happiness and pride.  This love was then multiplied by her grandchildren Penelope and Elektra Daniels (Elijah Daniels and Shaquita Peters). Her unwavering love and devotion to her children, along with her passion for her art, made her a beloved figure in her family and community. Her beautifully beaded artwork and her vibrant spirit will be forever remembered.

Anpao is survived by her parents Vera DuMarce and Harry Buckanaga Jr.; children Elijah Daniels (Shaquita Peters), Alayah Buckanaga, Solomon Goodsell Jr., Isiac Goodsell, and Celina Buckanaga; Grandchildren Penelope and Elektra Daniels; her sisters Hopsti Buckanaga, Hope DuMarce, Brittany DuMarce; her brothers Caleb BirdBear, and Matt DuMarce; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, and the many community members whose lives she touched through her work, her friendships, and her legacy of love.

She was preceded in death by brothers Prescott DuMarce, Tate DuMarce, and Michael Buckanaga; her sister Michelle Buckanaga; and her Kunsi Celine Buckanaga.

May her spirit continue to inspire, and may she rest peacefully in the arms of her family who left before her. Ake Waciyakekte, Anpao Buckanaga, beloved mother, daughter, sister, auntie and grandmother!