James Walker

Sub-Inspector James Walker.

James Walker became Colonel French's able assistant on the March West. When the guides proved less than reliable, French and Walker began plotting their course across the prairie using a compass and the stars to guide them.

Walker was born near Hamilton, Ontario. He joined the March West as a Sub-Inspector and was promoted to the rank of Commissioner in 1876.

That year, he, along with new recruits and a division of more experienced men, set out for Battleford to establish a police post. Leaving some of his men there, Walker set off to meet the treaty commissioners, having heard that Chief Beardy would try to intercept them before their arrival at Fort Cartlon.

His actions prevented a blockade and led to peaceful treaty negotiations. The Cree at the signing of Treaty 6 dubbed Walker 'the eagle that protects'.

Walker remained at Battleford until 1880, developing good relations between the Indigenous people and the local settlers and police. He established the first police farm, supplying the barracks with potatoes, turnips and beets. This practice quickly spread to other posts.
On his way to take over the command of Fort Walsh, Walker was called to Ottawa. Senator Cochrane was starting a large cattle ranch near Calgary and wanted Walker to take charge. Walker resigned from the NWMP and served as manager for the Cochrane Ranche for two years, before leaving to start his own sawmill.

During the North West Rebellion, Walker organized the Home Guard. He served overseas during the First World War as the commanding officer of the Canadian Forestry Corps.

Walker was very active with many organizations in Calgary. His death in 1936 was mourned by the city. In 1975, Colonel Walker was named Citizen of the Century by the City of Calgary.