The individual in the photograph is on guard duty at a sentry post at Prince Albert, NWT, 1885. A few possibilities exist for what this photograph represents. It appears to be a Northwest Mounted Police man (note the pith helmet), or less likely, a member of the Prince Albert Volunteers, or the Prince Albert Home Guard taken during the "siege" of Prince Albert.
Image of Humboldt Telegraph Station, likely during the Northwest Resistance. On back of photo: "This photo was taken after Wm. Scott (in charge of the Humboldt Mail Station had finished riding 140 miles to Prince Albert to Humboldt with dispatches. These dispatches were from Colonel Irwin [Irvine] (who was in charge at Prince Albert) to General Middleton. The ride was made in 23 hours on the horse shown in this photo. The horse's name was Lary and was known to have great staying power. Sitting is T. [Thomas] Pike."