The Wild Ride: A History of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP)

Book review

The Wild Ride:

A History of the North West Mounted Police

A new book on the history of the NWMP has recently hit the shelves of Canadian bookstores. It is written by well traveled Canadian author Charles Wilkins.

I have found the book fascinating on various fronts. First, the RCMP were not involved with the author's research. This 'hands off' exploration of the NWMP's past gives Wilkins a fresh, unbiased approach and leaves the author free of uncluttered presumptions.

Early in the book, Wilkins gets into the mind of  Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald. Wilkins sees early Ottawa politics this way -- either MacDonald makes a move by sending the NWMP into the west thus protecting Canadian interests such as a new railway or the United States would and could move into the vacuum as unwelcomed occupants.  

Wilkins uses a very understanding and human pen to describe the plight of the Canadian Native peoples -- the buffalo were gone, disease was prevelent, their culture and language threatened and whiskey was taking over. To put it more blunt, whiskey was being poured down their throats. On the one hand, Wilkins writes that the NWMP would not be capable of solving all Native problems, but on the other hand, the NWMP would cut down on bartenders and their trade. Wilkins feels that this strategy in itself would be beneficial.

The author also provides excellent historical overviews and the principle causes leading the NWMP into battle.  Detailed maps are also included. Wilkins also provides hundreds of fresh pictures which have not previously been seen.

I found Wilkins' book to be very thoughtful, descriptive and penetrating. Feelings which are penetrated. His thoughts are clear yet sad. This description of 'sadness' can be used for both the plight of the Natives people as well as for the conditions under which the NWMP were born.

The overdue birth of the NWMP and the struggles which the NWMP had to endure and overcome as they helped to settle Canada are remarkable. Wilkins says so. The NWMP took years in a mountain climbling course -- meaning their work was uphill all the way. 

In the end, Wilkins pays the NWMP their fair due. The Force came out looking battered at times but otherwise fine. 

Nothing is said about the conditions of the Force today -- but then again, the NWMP existed before video camera's. The book is about forty-five skins.

J. J. Healy

Reg.#23685

'Maintain Our Memories'