Iehnhotonkwas, Bonnie Jane Maracle, Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation at Kenhteke (Tyendinaga Territory) passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Prince Edward Hospice on Feb 12.  Daughter of the late Laurence and Bernice Maracle. Loving mom of Kyle, David, Oke(Felicia), Cheyanne.  Sotha to Hunter, Riley, Jacob, Tekaronhiakanere, Hayden, Wren, Lochlan, Adeline, Nora, Jack.  Sister to Judy, Sharon(George), Paul. Pre-deceased by Doug. She will be remembered by her nieces and nephews.

Iehnhotonkwas, Bonnie Jane, held a B.A. in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, a B.Ed. & M.Ed. from Queen’s University, and was a Ph.D. Candidate of Indigenous Studies at Trent University.  A lifelong advocate of traditional language revitalization, Bonnie Jane was a Learning Strategist and the Traditional Teacher in Residence at First Nations House and the Academic Success Centre on the St. George Campus at University of Toronto, as well as a Sessional Instructor for the University of Victoria for over 20 years.

In addition, Bonnie worked with the Native Literacy Coalition at Ohsweken, and was the Language Program Coordinator at Kanatsiohareke Community in NY. She also acted as a team writer at Ontario Teacher College for Additional Qualifications of Native Studies and Native Languages Guidelines.

Among all of her achievements, Bonnie was one of the founding members of the Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language & Culture Centre in Kenhteke where she continued to serve on the Board of Directors.

Iehnhotonkwas was a Wolf Clan member from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and she carried that responsibility with strength, humility, and deep love for her people. She was a dedicated academic and tireless advocate for language revitalization, believing wholeheartedly that our language is life and must be protected for future generations.

She served on the board for the Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawen:na Language & Culture Centre and for many years on the board of directors for Kanatsiohareke, always grounding her leadership in community care, cultural continuity, and responsibility to the people.

Her work helped strengthen language-learning spaces and cultural programming, and she generously gave her time and knowledge to ensure that our children and families remained connected to who they are.

Beyond her leadership and scholarship, Iehnhotonkwas was a loving mother, grandmother, auntie, and mentor to many. She carried herself with warmth and quiet strength, always thinking of others before herself. Her presence in the Longhouse, in community gatherings and in language spaces will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to the nurses at the Community Wellbeing Centre, Dr. Kate Koester and to the wonderful staff at the Prince Edward Hospice. We are deeply grateful for your exceptional care and compassion.

Family and Friends are welcome to the Longhouse on Saturday, February 14 from 9am to 2pm.  Funeral Service will start around 2pm. A meal will be served at the Council House, following the service.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to TsiTyonnheht Onkwawen:na or to the Kenhteke Longhouse ( cash or cheques please).