Women's History Month: Pearl Brewster Moore

Pearl Brewster Moore was born in July of 1889. She was the fifth child of the Brewster family and the only girl out of seven siblings. An avid horse rider, collector, hunter, sports enthusiast, and community leader, Pearl was heavily involved with many Banff community events such as the Banff Winter Carnival and the Second World War Banff-Jasper Spitfire fund.

As a member of the Calgary hockey team, Calgary Regents, she won Champions of Western Canada in 1917, 1919, and 1920. She was committed to organized sports and would continue to play the game late into her life.

Her passion for horses was directly translated into her having the position of Vice President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies from 1925 to 1933. In 1933, she would become the first woman President of the organization. As an accomplished rider, she taught her horse, Guerney to walk on its hind legs.

Pearl also had a personal relationship with the Stoney Nakoda which stemmed from her childhood and the Brewster family relationship with several families and individuals. Her and her husband, Philip Moore were adopted by the Stoney Nakoda as Princess and Chief in 1948.  

The Moore home was built in 1907 on the corner of Fox Street and Banff Avenue. The home was moved in 1971, when Pearl donated it to the Peter Whyte Foundation. She continued to live there until her death in 1973. As enthusiastic collectors, Pearl and Philip amassed a collection of objects from Indigenous peoples, furs, furniture, and other artifacts. Most of their collection can still be found in their home today. During the summer months the Museum offers Heritage Home tours of both the Moore and Whyte homes.

Find out more about Pearl in our Virtual Exhibit, Mountain Women: The Lives of Pearl Brewster Moore and Edmée Moore Reid.