Scripture Untangled

Season 13: Episode 10 | Harvey Satewas Gabriel | Mohawk: A Language Brought Back to Life

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In this episode, Harvey, Samantha, and Lorna discuss:

• What it looks like when God plants a calling in your life decades before you’re ready to say yes.
• How powerful it is to hear God’s Word in the language that shaped your heart and home.
• What happens when an ordinary life becomes part of an extraordinary calling, without training, status, or recognition?
• When ancient language and modern technology come together to bring Scripture to a new generation
• Whether it’s ever too late to step into God’s purpose for your life
• Whether your greatest calling could still be ahead

Harvey Satewas Gabriel, now 86 years old, was born at home, and raised In Kanesatake by his fluent speaking Mohawk parents Gladys and Bernard Gabriel. Together they raised their children using Mohawk everyday and created a strong foundation and cultural expression for their children to carry through life. Harvey taught himself how to read and write Mohawk through his great grandfather’s translation of the 4 gospels, and would read scripture on the local Kanesatake radio station for 10 years, and the Elders loved his program.

Working 47 years in Montreal for the same company would work evenings translating the Bible, and retired in 2005 at 65 years old. His work did not stop there; he continued translating The 58 books of the Bible into Mohawk, with greater intensity and completed it. His work also included translating the deuterocanonical books of the Bible as well, and 2 Mohawk dictionaries.

Harvey credits as the catalyst for his most important works Gladys’ strong will to raise her family strictly in Mohawk, a chance preachers’ message, and his strong faith.

Read Mohawk Bible Online*
Purchase Mohawk Bible

Samantha Pepin

Samantha Pepin is a Mohawk woman from Kanesatà:ke, Quebec, whose work is rooted in storytelling, community, and cultural preservation. She is the founder of Life in Full Bloom Photography, where she specializes in capturing meaningful moments and preserving memories through photography.

Passionate about documenting the stories of people, families, and communities, Samantha believes that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to honour those who came before us and inspire future generations. Her work often reflects her deep appreciation for family, history, language, and Indigenous culture.

As the granddaughter of Elder Satewas and a descendant of Joseph Swan (Sose Onensakenrat), Samantha has a personal connection to the story of the first complete Mohawk Bible. She is honoured to help share the history behind this remarkable achievement and the generations of dedication that made it possible.

Lorna Dueck has explored the intersection of journalism and Christianity for over 30 years. Her most recent full-time role was as CEO of Crossroads Christian Communications, Inc. and the show, “Context with Lorna Dueck”.

Lorna was a regular commentary writer on faith and public life in Canada’s leading national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and is a frequent media commentator. She has travelled the world reporting on church-led response to humanitarian crisis.

Lorna earned a Master of Arts in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Trinity, Tyndale, Briercrest and Wycliffe Universities. Lorna has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to Canadian society.

Learn more about Lorna Dueck:

Instagram: instagram.com/lorna_dueck
Website: lornadueckcreative.com