Reminiscences of a Pioneer in Saskatchewan

Note: The description of this document uses wording that was common to mainstream society of that time period in history. As such, it contains language that is no longer in common use and may offend some readers. This wording should not be construed to represent the views of the Indigenous Studies Portal or the University of Saskatchewan Library Extracts from James Clinkskill's memoirs, including a description of Clinkskill's arrival in Western Canada; of some of the events leading up to the Northwest Resistance of 1885; and of a number of incidents involving Indians and "half-breeds" before and during the Northwest Resistance, especially in the town of Battleford.

Historical note:

James Clinkskill was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1853. He had established himself in business in Scotland as a groceryman when he decided to come to Canada in 1881. He started his life in Canada in Winnipeg where he joined as partner in starting a merchandising business in Prince Albert. He moved to Battleford shortly after that. The Northwest Resistance took place while he was in Battleford, and during the rebellion he lost his building and all his goods. Clinkskill was active in his community right from the start. Besides serving in the home guard during the rebellion he also helped to set up a Presbyterian Mission for Battleford. In 1888 he entered politics for the first time as a member of the Territorial Assembly representing Battleford and, later, the area around Saskatoon. Clinkskill came to Saskatoon in 1889 and purchased James Leslie's general store. He was an astute businessman and expanded his business involvement. He erected a block on Twenty-first Street in downtown Saskatoon where the sidewalk still bears the insert that spells out "Clinkskill" even though the building is now gone. He also became involved in the local community after his move to Saskatoon. He was mayor of Saskatoon when it became a town and again mayor when Saskatoon grew into a city during which he was actively involved in guiding the installation of the light, water and sewer systems of the new city. He also became one of the governors of the University of Saskatchewan at its very beginning. Clinkskill died in August 1936 at age 83.