Cecil Paul

Cecil Paul

Mushkode Bizhikiinz

“Little Buffalo”

On May 12, 2024, Cecil finished his work on earth.   Our Ancestors came to take him home back to our Spirit World where he came from.  His spirit name was given in ceremony by the late Zhooniyabiik’s partner Jim Hobson, as well as his webinasinigan (spiritual colors) when he was a young boy.  His name and his webinasinigan would assist him in identifying and showing him his spiritual walk in life as well as his work while here on earth. 

Cecil was born and raised in Long Plain and spent his initial years living at Ogidaki, Long Plain Anishinabe traditional homeland, and then to the ancestral Myerion homestead in Long Plain.   He spent a number of years living with extended family members after his grandparents passed away.

True to is Spirit name, he spent most of his life toiling with Mother Earth in Manitoba and the United States in planting seeds and harvesting of plants to nurture and sustain us.  He carried the nickname of “Leffit” which is a term of endearment from his male cousins because of an experience they had had together one day while moving furniture. 

Along with the huge loss of Cecil’s Spirit, there is an irreplaceable loss of his historical knowledge, Anishinabemowin language, and understanding Our Creation Story, kinship connections and ties, as well as stories of the past. He was predeceased by his mother Clara Myerion; father Wallace Paul of Lake Manitoba First Nation; wife Lena Meeches; children Sharon, Kimball, Larry and Darren as well as numerous ancestors. 

Cecil leaves in his footprints, children that he helped raise, Kerry (Peggy) Meeches, Daryl Meeches, Freida Meeches, Brenda (Ken) Meeches, Sandra Meeches, Arlene Meeches, Randal Meeches, and Sherry (Dean) Meeches along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He also leaves his siblings Barb (John), Josephine (Donnie), Tony (Bernice) and many more siblings in Lake Manitoba First Nation as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.  He also leaves numerous relatives from Swan Lake and Dakota Tipi First Nations as well. 

The family would like to thank Long Plain community, including leadership, Long Plain Health Center and the Lions Prairie Manor for caring for him. 

Traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at 4:00 pm.  Tradition Feast and ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at 12 noon. Burial will follow at the Dauphin Myerion burial site. 

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.