Captain John Palliser
Early Life
Ever wondered who John Palliser really was? Well let’s Find out. John Palliser was born on January, 29, 1817 in Dublin Ireland. His parents were Colonel Wray Palliser and Anne Gledstanes. His family was prominent and were involved public service and politics. They were very social and travelled a lot. John lived in Ireland, London (England), Rome (Italy), Florence (Italy), Paris (France) and Heidelberg (Germany).
Education/ Career
John Palliser was educated in different countries where his family lived. He learned to speak French, Italian, German and English. In 1834 he joined Trinity College in Dublin but he never really to his classes. He never graduated from Trinity College. On September, 20, 1839 he received an appointment as Captain in the Waterford Artillery. This why he is referred to as Captain Palliser.
He became a sheriff in 1844 but he was looking for an adventure and an opportunity to hunt big game. In 1847 he made his first visit to the prairies to hunt buffalo, elk, antelope and grizzly bear. While he was there he watched the life of Indians and fur traders. He returned to London but did not forget the prairies. He published a book in 1854 called “Adventures of a Hunter in the Prairies”.
Alberta
What was Alberta at the time of John Palliser come on let’s find out. Well Alberta was part of Rupert’s Land which was owned by The Hudson’s Bay Company. Fort Edmonton was a trading fort and Fort Calgary was a fort. Neither of these Forts were cities yet. But later in 1905 Alberta became a province and Edmonton was named Capital.
Changemaker
While back in Europe, Captain Palliser was eager to return to Canada. In 1857 he was sent back to Canada to explore the prairies for the Canadian pacific railroad route. This new route would bring many settlers to western Canada. During his exploration, Palliser visited with many people and he studied the Red River Settlement. This was an area where new settlers and Metis people lived. At this time, the Metis people were trading and farming freely. Shortly afterwards, they began a resistance against the government that was trying to divide up their land.
Palliser’s explorations also helped find different travelling roots as well as the type of farming land that was available. This information was important to the Hudson’s Bay Company so they knew the best way to travel for the fur traders. The settlers who were arriving to this area would know where the most fertile land was. Captain Palliser and the other explorers also gave useful observations that helped the North West Mounted Police in making their base locations.
Connections
Captain Palliser had a very strong connection with the First Nations people he met during his time in Canada. He respected all the tribes of the First Nations. He also had a connection with his home country of Ireland. He grew up there, his family was there and he had some strong relationships with the people of Ireland.
Values
John had many values such as hunting: he was skilled at it and without hunting he wouldn’t have came to Canada and he would have never been a change-maker. He also valued family they moved a lot but they always knew they were together even in the most difficult times. Commitment because he was always committed to what he did.
Death
Captain John Palliser died in August 1855 in County Waterford, Ireland.
Sources
http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?id=5747
http://www.palliser.co.uk/explorer.htm