"Gentleman Joe" McKay a Métis guide and translator is credited with firing the first shot of 1885 North-West Rebellion

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I stand corrected: -- Thirty five years ago (1973) when we were visiting the site of the Maple Creek detachment we were told this was where "Gentleman Joe" is buried. In 2008 I received the following email and photo:

Hello,
I encountered a piece on your site in which the claim is made that Gentleman Joe McKay, who is "credited" with firing the first shot of the Riel Rebellion, is buried in the North West Mounted Police cemetery at Maple Creek, Sask. [Includes a photo of a grave marker with the name Joe McKay.]
It must be a different Joe McKay.
Gentleman Joe McKay died at Prince Albert in December, 1938, and is buried there in St. Mary's Cemetery. His grave marker, made of stone, says he was a "sniper" in the "Reil" rebellion. McKay was not likely ever an official constable, but as a guide/interpreter he did have the status of "special constable".

Photo of grave marker attached.

Cheers,
Oren Robison

Further research seems to reveal that the Maple Creek grave is that of the father of "Gentleman Joe" - B.H. Editor


Students Filming the 1874 NWMP Trek West

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