Walter Dieter

Walter Perry Deiter (31 May 1916 – 7 September 1988) was a Canadian First Nations leader. He was the founding chief of the National Indian Brotherhood in 1968, which is today known as the Assembly of First Nations.

Early years

Deiter was born on the Peepeekisis Reserve near Balcarres, Saskatchewan. His father was Cree and his mother was Saulteaux. In 1966, he became head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and served in that role until 1968. During this time, he negotiated with then Premier Ross Thatcher, for a five percent hiring policy of First Nations and Métis people within the provincial government. With his staff, Deiter helped organize the Indian Association of Alberta and the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood. Deiter had a relatively conservative approach to issues around indigenous self-government, education and community development. In 1980, he also served as the Southern President of the Saskatchewan Indian Veterans' Association.

He died of cancer in Regina and was buried on the Okanese Reserve.