Eleanor Brass facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eleanor Brass
Eleanor Brass, from a 1956 newspaper
Born	May 1, 1905 Peepeekisis Reserve, Saskatchewan
Died	May 20, 1992 (age 87 years) Regina, Saskatchewan
Occupation	Writer, government official, puppeteer
Notable work	I Walk in Two Worlds (1987)

Eleanor Dieter Brass (born May 1, 1905 – died May 20, 1992) was an important Canadian writer. She was from the Cree and Saulteaux First Nations.

Eleanor was a strong supporter of First Nations young people. She wrote about her community's traditions and history. Her most famous book is her autobiography, I Walk in Two Worlds, published in 1987.

Early Life and Education

Eleanor Dieter was born on May 1, 1905. Her home was the Peepeekisis Cree Nation reserve in Saskatchewan. Her parents were Frederick Charles Dieter and Marybelle Cote. Her great-grandfather was Chief Gabriel Cote.

Both of Eleanor's parents had gone to residential schools. Eleanor also attended the File Hills residential school near Fort Qu'Appelle. She remembered many difficult experiences there. Later, she went to high school in Canora, but she did not finish her studies.

A Career of Helping Others

Eleanor Brass became a provincial official. She worked on important issues like finding jobs and homes for people. In 1944, she made history. She became the first woman to be the secretary-treasurer of the Association of Indians of Saskatchewan. This was a big step for women in leadership.

She also worked at the Regina YWCA as a receptionist and teacher. Eleanor loved to write. She wrote a newspaper column called "Breaking the Barriers" for The Regina Leader. This started in 1949. She also wrote "Teepee Tidings" for the Melville Advance newspaper.

Eleanor played a key role in setting up Native Friendship Centres. These centres helped young First Nations people. They made it easier for them to move from their home communities to cities. The centres offered a welcoming place and support.

Even after retiring, Eleanor continued her work. She became the director of the Peace River Friendship Centre. She also wrote a monthly column called "Eleanor's North" for Alberta Native Communication.

Her Writings and Recognition

Eleanor Brass wrote three books during her lifetime. Her last book, Off the Buckskin, was not finished when she passed away. Her most well-known book is I Walk in Two Worlds.

In 1991, Eleanor received a special honour. The University of Toronto gave her an honorary doctorate degree. This was to recognize all her hard work for the community and her important writings.

In 2021, her first book was published again. It had new pictures by Aleigha Agecoutay. Eleanor's niece, Patricia Dieter-McArthur, helped with this new edition.

Personal Life

In 1925, Eleanor Dieter married Alexander Hector Brass. He was also a member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation. Alexander passed away in 1965.

Eleanor Brass died on May 20, 1992, in Regina. She was 87 years old. Her life showed how one person can make a big difference through writing and community work.