Mollie Bono in 2018 (Photo credit: School District 22)

By Pete McIntyre

Band chief comments

Respected band member and education advocate passes away

Feb 18, 2021 | 10:00 AM

Members of the Okanagan Indian Band — and many others in the community — are mourning the loss of a respected band member and passionate supporter of education.

Mollie Bono passed away Monday.

Band chief Byron Louis said Bono spent her entire career assisting their students and advocating on behalf the band, and education in general.

“That was her life, and she has always been associated with education in one way or another,” Louis told Vernon Matters.

Louis said Bono’s advocacy over the years made a huge difference.

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“There are kids that are now adults that remember the support. Let’s face it, school is never easy, and there is a large number of students that freely remember what she did for them, and that’s really important.”

Bono also served as a trustee for School District 22 since 2008.

“Molly [sic] was a huge asset to the School District – with such caring and understanding of the needs of the Band – she will be greatly missed,” Mary Jo O’Keefe, former school board chairperson, said on social media.

“I can’t grasp that our community won’t have Molly there with us – guiding, teaching, leading, mentoring, being the mainstay that I’ve known! I pray her spirit rests in peace. Love to all her family and loved ones,” one person commented on the Vernon and Area Community Facebook forum.

Chief Louis said given the COVID-19 restrictions, there won’t be a special event to remember Bono at this point.

“We would like to be able to not only to pay tribute to Mollie, but at some time in the future — once COVID lifts — to do some sort of commemoration for all our people that passed, including Mollie.”

Louis said Bono is survived by a son, a grand child, two sisters, two brothers, numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

The Vernon School District has paid tribute to Mollie Bono, one of its long time trustees.

Bono started her career with District 22 as an advocate for Indigenous students and was first elected as a trustee in 2008.

“A highly respected member of OKIB as well as a valued school trustee, Mollie had strong community connections and was also known as an educator, storyteller, activist, feminist, and family
member. Mollie was a strong supporter of Indigenous students and helped all of us on our path towards reconciliation,” a statement from the district, said.

Bono was a current member of the board but had been absent from the table due to illness.

“Trustees were continually in contact with Mollie who was highly respected as a member of the board for her thoughtful and insightful perspectives on education. She will
be deeply missed and our condolences go to her family, friends and the Okanagan Indian Band at this sad time,” the district statement added.

Board chair Gen Acton announced Bono’s passing at the Feb. 17, 2021 public board meeting.