SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Gregory Brass

Honourable senators, I rise today to honour the life of Gregory Brass, a proud member of Peepeekisis Cree First Nation, a Survivor, a father, a public servant and a man whose legacy lives on through the generations he inspired.

Mr. Brass was born in September 1939 in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. Like so many First Nations children of his generation, he was forced to attend residential school. His daughter, Judge Michelle Brass, wrote that residential school “. . . was a dark time for him . . .” when he suffered “. . . extreme abuse of all kinds . . .” endured separation from family — including his beloved sisters — and experienced “. . . a lonesomeness that only home filled.”

Yet Gregory Brass refused to let those experiences define the entirety of his life.

He rebuilt his life and his family. He joined the RCMP at a time when Indigenous officers faced significant barriers and discrimination. As his daughter recalled:

It was not easy for First Nation RCMP members in the 1970s when he was faced with blatant workplace racism.

Perhaps his greatest gift was the faith he placed in his children. Judge Brass wrote that “. . . planted the seeds of knowledge . . .” and showed them “. . . that careers were possible.” He constantly asked his children what they wanted to be when they grew up, planting seeds of ideas about their futures and encouraging them to dream beyond the limits others may have imposed upon them.

He also nurtured family connections. He made sure his children knew their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and community.

I worked with Mr. Brass when I was a director of justice for the Saskatoon Tribal Council and he was a director of justice for the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council in Treaty 4 territory. Our jobs were to bring restorative justice to help keep children out of jail. Greg was so well respected and revered by his colleagues and the community. He provided good, common-sense advice moulded by his years of experience.

Today, we remember a man who endured hardship, embraced healing, served his community and devoted himself to his family.

Through his perseverance, he transformed pain into possibility and ensured that the generations that followed would have opportunities he himself was denied.

On behalf of the Senate of Canada, I offer condolences to the Brass family and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Mr. Gregory Brass.

Meegwetch. Thank you.