With great sadness, the family of Frieda Mae Brewer, “Itanchan Win,” announces the passing of their beloved sister, mother, grandmother, auntie, relative, and friend. Frieda was born on March 15, 1952, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to Vincent Brewer, Sr. and Alvina Mae (Larvie) Brewer. Frieda made her journey to the Spirit World on August 5, 2026, at the Pine Ridge Indian Health Service Unit in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
Frieda lived a life defined by strength, determination, service, family, and a deep connection to her Lakota culture and traditions. She was a strong woman who worked hard throughout her life and was proud of everything she accomplished.
Frieda dedicated 43 years of service to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Realty, building a long career through her commitment and hard work. She also worked at the moccasin factory and was proud to be one of the first women firefighters on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Frieda was never afraid to step forward, work hard, or show that a strong Lakota woman could accomplish whatever she set her mind to.
Later in life, Frieda became a proud supporter of the Oglala Lakota cannabis industry and truly believed in the opportunities it could create for her family and community. She and her daughter worked side by side to build a family business. It was not always easy, but together they built something meaningful through determination, sacrifice, hard work, and love for one another.
Frieda cared deeply about seeing others succeed and was always willing to offer encouragement and support. She took great pride in what she and her daughters created together and in the strength, independence, and family bond that grew from it. What they built together is part of the legacy Frieda leaves for her children, grandchildren, and the generations who follow.
Above everything else, Frieda loved her family. She loved all of her nieces and nephews fiercely. They also knew that when they were doing something they shouldn’t be doing, She wasn’t afraid to tell them when they needed to straighten up. On the other hand, she loved to have fun. She loved to scare the bejesus out of you. That was Frieda—strong, honest, protective, and loving. Behind her toughness was a woman who wanted the very best for the people she loved.
Frieda loved going to powwows and especially loved watching her grandson Derek dance. She was also a Sun Dancer, and through those years she formed many special friendships and relationships that remained important to her throughout her life. Her family and Hunka family meant everything to her, and she loved them deeply.
Frieda loved having company. Some of the most treasured memories of her are the simple ones—sitting around the table for hours drinking coffee, visiting, laughing, teasing, and telling stories. Her home was a place where people could gather, and those conversations and laughs around the table will be remembered and missed.
And Frieda loved to dance.
That love started when she was young. Growing up, her mother would have the children singing and dancing together at home, and Frieda was always the main dancer. That joy never left her. Dancing remained a part of her spirit throughout her life, which is why her family asks everyone gathering to remember Frieda to wear red, wear your favorite hat or scarf, and come prepared to dance.
Frieda is survived by her siblings, Bryan Brewer; Allie Bad Heart Bull (Tim); Joy Brewer (Bob); Vince Brewer Jr. (Sherri); Little Bob (Darlene) Ecoffey, and Jodene (Gary) Smith. Her children, Alice (Tony) Big Crow, Kenneth “Peachy” (Arlinda) Brewer, David “Bush” Big Crow, and D.J. Big Crow; Cody and Jenny Iron Cloud and her Hunka children, Cindy Palmier, Kevin “Bones” (Tarah), Peggy Morgan (Primo), Ahta Morgan, Louis Pourier, and Kate Thunder Hawk.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tre Luger, Derek Dre Tyon, Jesse Marie Schmockel, Coy Amiotte, Kevin Hunter, Djay Hunter, Chelsea Hunter, Jodene Big Crow-Hunter, Cashus Hunter, Frankki Big Crow-Hunter, Tayton Kills Small, Jaden Lebeaux, Quincy Means, Dawson Richards, James Richards, Angel Richards, Dakota Mesteth, Rachel Mesteth, Hoksila Mesteth, Micheal Brewer, Rico Cortez, Andrea Sanchez, and Reyna Sanchez.
Her nieces and nephews include Brent Brewer, Kellie Brewer, Sky Brewer, Von Gillette, Craig Bad Heart Bull, Loren Bad Heart Bull, Darren Bad Heart Bull, Matt Bad Heart Bull, Maverick Valandra, Gwen Valandra, Ty Brewer, Tricia Tyon Brewer, Schaeavon Brewer, Grace Brewer, Harold Brewer Jr., Cole Brewer, Bessie Brewer, Stacey Ecoffey, and Brandon Ecoffey, along with numerous other relatives.
The family would also like to recognize Frieda’s caretakers, Bobette Patton, Vanessa Swallow, Marlena Pond, and Kyla Provost, for the care and support they provided.
Frieda was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Alvina Brewer; grandparents, Louie and Grace Larvie, Bessie (Janis) and Robert Brewer; brothers, Harold Louis Brewer, Michael Brewer, Harold Brewer, and Chuckles Janis; sisters, Terri Janis, Lisa Mesteth, and Eileen Janis; nephews, Bryan Brewer Jr., Vinny Brewer III, and Tom Thunder Hawk; niece, Olowan Thunder Hawk Martinez; grandsons, Gavin Thigh and Triston Richards; and great-granddaughter, Bryonna Brewer.
Pallbearers will be Terry Richards, Kevin “Bones” True Blood, Ahta Morgan, Dylan Brewer, John George, Peachie Brewer, Casey Means, Brandon Ecoffey, Verlyn Garnier, Troy Brave Heart, Maverick Valandra, Sky Brewer, Leon Janis, and Brent.
Frieda’s family would also love to have her special Maske walk with her one last time: Norma Rendon, Sandy Weston, Candy Hamilton, Gloria Counoyer, and Chick Frazier.
Honorary pallbearers will be AIM, all family, friends, and relatives who loved Frieda and her beautiful spirit.
Frieda proudly carried the bloodlines of the Brewer, Twiss, Janis, Thunder Hawk, Richards, Red Kettle, Larvie, and Ruff families in her heart and spirit.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 3:30 PM, Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Wolf Creek School Gymnasium near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Evening services starting at 7:00 PM. Wear Red, your favorite hat/scarf and come prepared to dance.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at the Wolf Creek School Gymnasium near Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Traditional Lakota Services: Mr. Doug Patton. Prayers from all alters are welcomed. She loved all.
Burial Services: St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Porcupine, South Dakota.
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD