EVENT DATE: February 9, 2011
TOPIC: Major James Walsh of the North West Mounted Police, friend of Sitting Bull
Brian Porter, a great fan of Canadian history, provided the luncheon attendees with an enacted life of Major James Walsh NWMP. He had previously entertained the Canadian Club in March 2009 with his portrayal of Sir John A. Macdonald.
Major Walsh, born in Prescott in 1840, was one of the original nine officers of the NWMP, founded by Sir John A in 1873. Walsh led the first recruits across the Dawson Trail to Fort Garry, Manitoba. In 1874, his troop built Fort Walsh in Saskatchewan. In 1877, Sioux Chief Sitting Bull crossed into Canadian territory with his people, after defeating Lt. Col. Custer at Little Bighorn. Walsh rode into their camp to enforce Canadian law. He retired to Brockville and lived until 1905.
Brian taught for 32 years in Brockville until retiring in 1998. He is Chairman of the Brockville Museum Board, a member of the Brockville History Book Committee, and a founding member of Brockville Infantry Company (1862) – which gives historical re-enactments of the volunteer militia. Born and raised in Peterborough, he was educated at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School, Carleton University (B.A. History), and Ottawa Teachers’ College.