Colonel James Walker
Colonel James Walker was an influential pioneer and long-time resident in Calgary, Alberta.
Personal life
James Walker was born in Ontario.
NWMP
Walker was one of the original commissioned officers of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873. He took part in the famous March West in 1874 which paved the way for European settlement of what is now Saskatchewan and Alberta. He was promoted to Superintendent in 1876 and returned east to help recruit for the force. He took new recruits to Battleford, Saskatchewan to build a fort and escort treaty commissioners. He successfully defused a confrontation with the Cree, without using violence, and was instrumental in negotiating Treaty 6.
Military service
During the North-West Rebellion of 1885 Walker commanded a home guard in Calgary. He commanded the 15th Light Horse regiment, and during the First World War went overseas as commander of the Canadian Forestry Corps.
Civic duty
Walker chaired the Calgary Citizen's Committee, established a school district for Calgary, chaired the school board, directed the first general hospital and sat as president of several pioneer and police veteran associations between 1885 and 1919. He was also the first Boy Scout leader and founded the Calgary Agricultural Society which later merged to become the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.[1]
Legacy
The Colonel James Walker House has been preserved by the City of Calgary as a historical site.[2]
In 1975 the city of Calgary declared him the "pioneer of the century."