Clare Swan
May 23, 1931 -
Mar 21, 2025
Clare Swan, a revered elder, influential leader and tireless advocate for Alaska Native rights, passed away peacefully at home in Kenai, Alaska, on Mar. 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience and profound impact on her community and beyond. Born and raised in Kenai, Clare's life was a testament to unwavering commitment to the health, wellness, and cultural preservation of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the broader Dena'ina Athabaskan culture and traditions.
Clare married Van Buren Swan on Aug. 3, 1950, a U.S. Army Corporal stationed in Anchorage, embarking on a remarkable 75-year journey together. The couple raised four children – Rusty, Boots, Bunny, and Jeff – instilling in them the values of resilience, creativity and community that Clare embodied. Of her large and vibrant family, with eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, Clare once said with a touch of humor and wisdom that marriage and family "is the hardest work you'll ever do, but it's one day at a time," a reflection of the strength and perseverance that defined both her personal life and her public service.
Clare's contributions to Alaska Native people were profound and far-reaching. As a leader within the Kenaitze Indian Tribe IRA, Cook Inlet Region Incorporated, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council, she championed health, wellness, and subsistence rights with pride and a forward-thinking vision. Her political activism broke barriers and built bridges, earning her a well-deserved place in the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame. Known for her sharp mind and wit, Clare worked tirelessly to uplift her community, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and cultural pride, which will live on in the countless lives she touched, the traditions she preserved, and the inspiration she shared.
Clare was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Madrona; her husband, Van; her two sisters, Gertrude and Rita; her five brothers, Edward, James, William, Victor and David; and other loved ones. She is survived by her brother, Ricky; her children, Rusty, Boots, Bunny, and Jeff; and a wide circle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and community members who honor her memory and life's work.
A celebration of Clare's life will be held at a date to be announced, in keeping with Kenaitze traditions. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her honor to the Clare Swan Early Learning Center, an Early Head Start program in Anchorage, supporting the development of Alaska Native and American Indian children, a cause she held dear. May her light continue to shine brightly on the Kenai and Anchorage, a beacon of strength, perseverance, and unity in our time and for generations to come.
