The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. is recognized world-wide for its staggering collection of artifacts. From ancient Chinese bronzes to the Apollo lunar landing module; from Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers in The Wizard of Oz to Van Halen’s Frankenstein electric guitar, they represent world history.
So, when Indigenous potter Jody L’Hirondelle Swanson was commissioned to create pottery for a Smithsonian exhibition, it became a life-defining moment. She chose to create four terracotta pieces: a large wheat plate and three vases dubbed Métis Line.
Proud of her Indigenous heritage, the St. Albert resident is a direct descendant of Jacques L’Hirondelle and Josephte Pilon. Dipping into her cultural heritage for inspiration, L’Hirondelle Swanson evokes the elements of earth, fire, water and air in her creations.
Held at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in 2002, the international exhibition was a mega hit featuring pottery from Indigenous artists across North American, South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
At the time, L’Hirondelle Swanson was the mother of two young children living in Athabasca and a member of the local pottery club. Athabasca was renowned for its IXL Brick site of red clay found nowhere else in the province.
“We would take a three-ton truck and fill it with clay. We’d shovel the clay in the basement, let it dry out, screen it for rocks, mix it with paint mixers and store it in old refrigerators,” said L’Hirondelle Swanson.
The Smithsonian contacted the club asking if a representative would be interested in firing work made specifically from the red clay, and L’Hirondelle Swanson agreed. The terracotta pieces were shaped, fired, catalogued, coded, packed in wooden crates, and shipped to the Smithsonian.
“I only saw the exhibition on the website, but I did receive a coil bound book of all the submission,” L’Hirondelle Swanson said.
Raised in the small town of Athabasca, population 3,000, she comes from a long Métis lineage and close-knit family. The youngest in a family of six, L’Hirondelle Swanson was born into a political family.
Her father was a town councillor and deputy mayor. Her mother was a bookkeeper and operated the town’s Conservative office. With parental involvement in politics and service organizations, volunteering was way of life.
“We helped one another. We believe the creator put us on Turtle Island to help one another. We are no better than birds flying in the sky or bugs on the ground. We are here to help one another.”
A studious girl, L’Hirondelle Swanson was also the yearbook editor for four years and played a variety of instruments including flute, piccolo, sax, trumpet and percussion.
“I also spent a lot of time in the forest and collected berries and plants. I learned to read animal tracks and had a good relationship with the land. For my 16th birthday, my dad bought me a 22 (caliber rifle) and took me out hunting. For him, it wasn’t hunting. It was about bring home food for the family and my mum would make a roast.”
By 1991, L’Hirondelle Swanson had enrolled at the University of Alberta’s education faculty. While completing a psychology practicum n Northern Alberta, she became conflicted working under a series of stressful conditions.
“I had to help the government work on questionnaires that were very slanted and would take kids away from their families. It was difficult as some were my family.”
She discussed the situation with her dean, and he suggested enrolling in either a yoga or pottery class.
“I took a pottery class at the university and immediately fell in love with it. I was in the city, but I connected with the earth.”
L’Hirondelle Swanson spent nine years working as an English, physical education, art and band teacher before transitioning to the City of St. Albert as a risk insurance adviser.
Currently, L’Hirondelle Swanson focuses on creating stoneware and porcelain wares selling them at the Alberta Beach Market where she owns a lakefront property.
“I find being back in the water reenergizes me. I find peace and solace. Even when we’re busy, we go. It’s nice to get out in the water or watch a fire at night.”
