Peter Deer

Peter Deer (26 November 1878 – 30 July 1956) was a Canadian middle-distance runner. Born in Kahnawake Mohawk Territory of Quebec, he initially worked as a mechanic before transitioning to running. He represented the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and was selected for the Canadian team at the 1904 Summer Olympics. There, he became the first indigenous person to compete for Canada at the Olympic Games and in any international sporting competition. Biography Peter Deer was born on 26 November 1878 in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory of Quebec, Canada, on the south shore of St. Lawrence River. The Montreal Star states that Deer comes from a family of runners and is distantly related to American runner Deerfoot.

Working as a mechanic, The following month, he competed in the MAAA's midsummer games in order to be selected for the Canadian team at the 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, United States. There, he placed first in the men's 880-yard run and mile.

At the 1904 Summer Games, Deer was the first indigenous person to compete for Canada at the Olympic Games and in any international sporting competition.