Bobbie Banda
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (January 2017) |
Barbara "Bobbie" Lucille Banda | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 |
| Died | May 4, 2013 (aged 65–66) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Activist, organization leader |
| Known for | Introducing Native American curriculum into public school system around San Juan Capistrano, California |
Barbara "Bobbie" Lucille Banda (c. 1947 – May 4, 2013) was an American activist who self-identified as a
Banda was a ninth generation member of the Rios family.
Banda was hired by the Capistrano Unified School District as a teacher's aide immediately after her high school graduation. She later worked for Endevco Aerospace for twenty-eight years.[1]
Bobbie Banda actively campaigned for the creation of Native American courses and programs at the Capistrano Unified School District during the 1970s.[1] She successfully lobbied for U.S. federal funding to establish the educational programs. The programs created by Banda represented a major step toward Native American education in Southern California. The programs, led by her son, Nathan Banda, are still taught as part of the curriculum today.[1]
Banda was active in Juaneño politics as well. She served as the co-director of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians' elders committee for six years, until her death in May 2013.[1] In 2013, Banda campaigned on behalf of the six candidates for the Juaneño tribal council.[1] All six candidates endorsed by Banda were elected, leading to the first all female tribal council in Juaneño history.[1]
Bobbie Banda died from a series of strokes on May 4, 2013, at the age 66. She was survived by her husband, Frank, whom she had been married to for 48 years, as well as their four children - Frank Jr., Monica Clifton, Erika Zammoron and Nathan.[1] Her funeral was held at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.[1]
References
- ^ Capistrano Dispatch. Archived from the originalon 9 June 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2017.