Louise Peltier, age 93 of Dunseith, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at a Bottineau nursing home.  Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Her wake will begin on Monday at 4:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:00 pm at the church.

Louise was born in Belcourt, North Dakota to Philip Allery and Elizabeth (Betsy) Patnaude Allery. She attended St. Ann's Mission. In grade 6, she was tested to measure her academic skills. The results of the test allowed her to be placed in grade 8. Although the nuns encouraged her to complete her education, she did not continue. She was needed at home to work on the family homestead where they had a variety of animals such as cows, horses, turkeys, and pigs. She enjoyed her work with the animals and in later years found pleasure in showing off her milking skills.

She was an avid reader. Even though she enjoyed biographies, it seemed that Anne of Green Gables was her favorite story. Reading helped develop an English vocabulary and writing skills. At the request of her father, she wrote letters to Congress regarding the "ten cent treaty." She also wrote letters for neighbors, family, and friends who needed to access services such as housing and various other governmental programs. In later years, Louise also assisted individuals in their request for social security benefits. She was outspoken and used her voice for issues such as equal rights and equity (fair and impartial treatment) for all.

Her memory was extraordinary. For example, at the request of her guitar playing, song singing sister-in-law, Louise wrote the lyrics after listening to a song one time. Later in her life, Louise was a resource to people who had questions about their family trees. She seemed to know all the familial connections.

She served on the Dunseith Public School Board. She was the first Native American Woman to be elected to the position. During her participation on the board, she became an advocate for students who requested her help in dealing with school situations in which they felt overwhelmed by lack of rights/equity. Louise also encouraged the board membership to hire Native Americans for positions they might be qualified for. For example, the superintendent/school board secretary was hired in 1977 and worked in the position for many years.

She married Philip Peltier and together they raised a large family. Louise is survived by her children: Shirley Peltier (Brent Brunelle), Joseph H. Peltier (Tammi Herbal Peltier), Philip G Peltier (Rosemary Gladue Peltier), Bernadette Peltier, Marilyn Peltier Allery (Richard Allery) Elaine Peltier, Carol Peltier Breland (Sam Breland), Fern Peltier Gronvold (Archer Gronvold), Matthew Peltier (fiancée, LaVonne Fox), and Gabrielle Peltier Jerome (Terry Jerome). Louise's husband predeceased her by 34 years. She had twenty-eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Louise had a special relationship with her granddaughter, Tawny Davis. Due to having lived with grandparents for several years, Tawny became more like a daughter. Louise also considered Barbara Poitra to be a daughter equal to her 7 biological daughters. Louise spent a lot of time with Barb making out-of-town trips and attending local event. Barbara also took Louise to medical appoints, shopping, as well as, undertaking meal preparation when Louise's frozen shoulders limited her homemaking skills.