Tribal Elder Genevieve Swindall Dead at 80

Blind for decades, she loved talking about local indigenous history.

1 min read
a woman in a wheelchair sitting at a table
Genevieve Swindall. Photo: Kizh Nation
This entry is part 7 of 7 in the series Tribal Knowledge

Indigenous advocate and keeper of ancestral stories Genevieve (“Aunt Jenny”) Swindall died of natural causes on January 2nd. Swindall, a resident of Covina, was 80.

Youngest sister of Chief Ernie Salas of the Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, Swindall permanently lost eyesight at age 14 due to progressive retinopathy developed after being given 100 percent oxygen at birth. Her daughter, Dr. Christina Swindall Martinez, said her mother never let disability stop her.

“Growing up I kept hearing people say ‘Are you sure she is blind?'” said Martinez.

Throughout her life, Martinez said Swindall was active in tribal matters and advocated for legislation related to the blind and indigenous communities. “She also carried a lot of knowledge about the trials and tribulations of our tribe,” said Martinez. “Mom kept a very positive view and loved engaging with younger generations.”

Kizh Nation Chief Andrew Salas said his Aunt Jenny, “was a cherished keeper of our tribe’s oral history and ancestral stories. Her deep knowledge of our past and her ability to recount the history of our ancestors will be profoundly missed. She served as a vital link between generations, ensuring that our traditions, struggles and triumphs were passed down with authenticity and reverence.”

During the early 1960’s, Swindall traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with President John F. Kennedy as an advocate for the blind and the tribe. “Her dedication to representing both our tribe and the blind community exemplified her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others,” said Salas.

Swindall was born in San Gabriel and attended Pasadena City College. She is survived by three daughters and two grandsons.

On January 29th at 10 am, a church service will be held for Swindall at historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, followed by grave-site services at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary in Whittier at 1 pm. A reception at the Covina Woman’s Club is also scheduled at 3 pm that day.

Series Navigation<< Native Sons of the Golden West and Multiple San Gabriel Valley Cities Honor Late Tribal Leader
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Phil Hopkins

Phil is the Associate Publisher of Local News Pasadena. He is a 35-year resident of the city. Phil has won several national awards for magazine photography and received multiple Southern California Journalism Awards for news reporting and commentary. His favorite local delicacy is the Combo Grinder at Connal's.
Email: [email protected]

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