Judy Swamp Lived an Historic Life

By Doug George-Kanentiio.

To Joanne and me it was always “Jake and Judy” Swamp - a couple who not only lived through historic times but took an active part in defining life at Akwesasne and the Mohawk Nation.

They were trusted friends who made the longhouse a place to enjoy the traditional rituals. Joanne was a wolf clan Oneida, but she came to Akwesasne for the ceremonies knowing she would be greeted by Judy and Jake’s “hello there!”. They had a keen interest in our travels which complemented their own expeditions across the planet. They carried with them knowledge and respect and, like Joanne, forged friendships as cultural ambassadors, the most articulate representatives of their clans and nations.

It was Jake and Judy who made plans, unknown to either of us, with Jo’s mom Maisie Shenandoah to bring us together and see if there was a mutual attraction. For me, it was immediate, but Jo needed more time. The result was 30 years of partnership. Almost as creative and exciting as the 49 years Jake and Judy were married.

Judy came from the Point family on Kawehnoke, among the first to openly practice the ancient customs and ceremonies long suppressed at Akwesasne. Prior to the building of the longhouse in the mid-1930’s those who celebrated the cycle of ceremonies did so in private or travelled to Ohsweken, Onondaga or Tonawanda. Those courageous individuals, few in number, endured ridicule, overt hostility and the opposition of the Christian churches and an external political system which sought to stomp out such “heathen” activities.

Those brave ones were young people-teenagers and young adults. They included the Davids, Thompsons, Faddens, Benedicts, Thomases, Porters and Boots (among others). Although the community as a whole supported traditional governance, in terms of spirituality there was fear and ignorance, fostered by an educational system which belittled this part of Mohawk culture.

But the young ones summoned the will to revive that which had long been lost. They began to celebrate life in accordance with the traditional teachings. In time they would not only affect Akwesasne’s life but initiate a continental revolution in indigenous rights.

Jake and Judy met many challenges as longhouse people. While Judy was raised in the traditional way, Jake was a Catholic. He needed some persuasion to take those first steps into the longhouse but when he did his life’s work began. Initially very shy he would develop into one of the most effective and powerful Mohawk speakers, selected as a member of the Nation Council and then the founder of the Tree of Peace Society.

Jake and Judy were an attractive couple defined by their personal love as well as a wonderful sense of humor. They raised seven children, all creative in their own ways as they became the generation which would live through the greatest changes in Akwesasne’s history yet having the strength to sustain the family’s values.

All Native people have been influenced by Jake and Judy. They were an integral part of the Mohawk Nation which sponsored the Unity Caravans, the White Roots of Peace, Akwesasne Notes, the Akwesasne Freedom School and the Akwesasne Communications Society. They also took part in the actions which led to the enactment of the Declaration of Indigenous Rights by the United Nations in 2007.

I held my position as editor of Akwesasne Notes (1986-92) because of them and one of Jo’s most popular sings “When the Eagle Cries” was composed for them.

I asked Judy to embrace Joanne in the spirit world as she did so many times in this world. It would be affirmation of the deep affection we have for both.