Outstanding Alumni - 1999
John Buckanaga, Sr.
Bemidji State University Graduate 1959
Career and Professional Achievements
- Currently serves as Chairman of the White Earth Tribal Council.
- Former Director of Albuquerque, NM Indian Health Service Area Office, serving Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico and consisting of 29 Tribes.
- Former Area Director of the newly created Bemidji Indian Health Services US PHS Office. Serving over 50,000 tribal members and 29 tribal governments in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa.
- Former Director of the Bemidji State University Indian Community Action Project, serving 29 tribes in four states.
- Former Executive Director of the newly formed Minnesota Indian Affairs Commission, created by the Minnesota State Legislature.
- Elected Board Chairman for School District 133.
- Graduate of the Federal Executive Institute-United States Office of Personnel Management in Charlottesville, VA.
Community Service
- Working with Tribal governments and Tribal members.
- Role model for numerous young Tribal members.
Outstanding Service to Bemidji State University
- Former member of the Campaign Cabinet for the development of an American Indian Resource Center.
- Donating time and financial resources to the Indian Student Council and other departments, Pow wows, and the men?s athletic programs.
Personal Achievements/Awards
- 1984 Recipient of National Excellence in Administration and Management USPHS Department of Health and Human Services Washington, DC.
- 1986 Recipient of the National Community Health Service Award Rockville, MN.
- Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.