James McKay

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James McKay, (1828 – 2 December 1879), was an original man of the territories, part of which became Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. He was born of a Scottish father and First Nations (possibly Métis) mother at the Hudson's Bay Company's Edmonton House. He was a fur-trader and guide/interpreter with the HBC and later became a political figure in the Red River Settlement.

James was educated at Red River and began work with the HBC in 1853. It is a testament to his skills that many distiguished visitors sought him out as a guide. He often met the HBC governor, George Simpson in Crow Wing, Minnesota and escorted him to Upper Fort Garry. In 1857, while at Fort Ellice, he was engaged to guide the John Palliser party from Fort Ellice (St Lazare, Man.) through the Saskatchewan plains to its winter quarters at Fort Carlton (Sask.).

McKay married in 1859 and left the HBC in 1860, going into business for himself. He established his home west of the Forks in present-day Manitoba and quickly became involved in this community. He was made a member of the Council of Assiniboia in 1868, and caught up in the hostilities in the Red River Settlement during 1869–70. Because of his Métis heritage, he chose to leave the community for a short time. On his return, he was made a member of the provisional government. He was a brother to Angus McKay who was active in the political unrest of the time.

After Manitoba became a province, he served in various elected capacities within its governments until his death. He was considered to have excellent judgment; but influenced strongly by the views of the Archbishop Alexandre-Antonin Taché.

McKay was also a member of the Temporary North-West Council for a period of time and dealing with problems affecting the native population. His skills, both as a negotiator and interpreter, made his input instrumental in a number of Treaty negotiations.

James McKay started his life involved in the buffalo hunt and fur trade and saw, and was involved in, the transition to agriculture and settlement.