James McKay (fur trader)

James McKay (1828 – December 2, 1879) was a fur trader, pioneer and pre Canadian confederation politician and interpreter.

McKay 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 Colony.

McKay was educated at Red River and began work with the HBC in 1853. It is a testament to his skills that many distinguished 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 Colony 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.

McKay was appointed as a Member of the Temporary North-West Council along with Pierre Delorme and Joseph Royal in 1873. These appointments were made in response to demand by Métis who wanted representation in the government. While he was on the council he worked on 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.

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