On the Passing of Tehokwiron

On the Passing of Tehokwiron (Joe Swamp) December 28^th, 2004

The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs extends its sympathies to the family and friends of Joe Swamp-Tehokwiron. In his walk to the Creator's land he leaves behind a community that has come to respect him for his dedication to those he loved and to the Nation he served with great honor.

The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs reminds the people that a generation ago we were experiencing a time of trouble at Akwesasne. In the spring of 1979, conflict arose between the Mohawk Nation and the St. Regis Tribal Council. It was so intense as to threaten to erupt into civil war. The struggle was over land and jurisdiction. There were those who sought to extend the authority of the Tribal Council through the former St. Regis Police while others opposed this plan believing there should be one Mohawk law for all the people. As is the case with many similar situations physical confrontation sprang for this difference of opinion with emotions becoming so intense as to cause real harm among blood relatives.

The Mohawk Nation Council did not wish these passions to get out of control. The council members knew that the young people in particular were willing to place their lives on the line to defend their beliefs, either as Tribal supporters or defenders of the Nation. They realized the need to select a leader among the young men who could direct their energies in a good way, one with control over his own feelings and one with the wisdom to see the immediate and long term consequences of his actions and those of his generation. We needed a patient, soft spoken man but with inner strength and unwavering convictions. We needed a man of peace but unafraid to take a firm stance in defense of his principles.

Tehokwiron was such a man. He had a great love for his family and a devotion to his community. He had experience derived from a life of hard work. He was a provider, a parent, and a mentor to those younger than him. He did not have to raise his voice to be heard nor did he threaten violence to win support for his actions. He was physically brave but never reckless with his life or the lives of those around him. He was the right person at the time when we needed his sound judgment. The leadership felt great confidence in asking Tehokwiron to lead the young men. As was his way, he accepted this great task with humility, never asking for recognition or physical rewards.

For 18 months, from the spring of 1979 to the winter of 1980-81 Tehokwiron organized the men to protect our Mohawk families. He reduced tensions by stressing the need to act as peacekeepers rather than as soldiers. At particularly dangerous moments he went from man to man, speaking gently, calming their fears, insisting they see and think clearly before acting. He made sure no one took matters into their own hands thereby removing the danger of revenge and retribution. He was the kind of crisis leader all nations should have in key positions of influence when the survival of the people is in doubt.

Tehokwiron's duties took much of his time yet he remained devoted to his family and friends. Everyone who lived through the crisis endorsed his work on behalf of all of Akwesasne as a peacemaker. We acknowledge that without his leadership our people would not have made it through that difficult time. We know it hurts us to the center of our hearts to have Tehokwiron leave this world. We trust that his efforts to secure peace will be carried on by this generation and those yet unborn.