The Last Buffalo Hunter

by Mary Weekes

The Last Buffalo Hunter is one of the few surviving oral accounts of the old North-West during the late nineteenth century, providing a valuable record of the spirit and romance of a way of life that ended with the demise of the once-vast buffalo herds.

225 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1994

Reviews

[Amanda Borys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was first published in 1934 and is based on a number of interviews the author had with Norbert Welsh, a Metis trader, buffalo hunter, rancher, and farmer. Welsh passed away in 1931 when in his 80s.

It is a fun little book about a life during a very different time period on the Canadian prairies. I think Welsh elevated his role a little bit, but good on him. I did notice there was never any criticism of any government institutions (N.W.M.P., Indian agents or the like) and the stories were complimentary of the Hudson Bay Company when they entered the picture. I don't know if that was Welsh or the author cleaning up the stories or was actually how things were. I would like to think people were decent with one another.

[Tim Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A revealing first hand account of a hunter and trader at a crucial time on the Canadian plains.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those interesting discoveries at a Used Book location (in this case Value Village - which I must say has a more esoteric collection than my usual, inimitable Wee Book Inn!).

If the jacket is accurate - this is a long sought-after reprint in 1994 of the original that sold-out/went out of print in 1939 from Saskatchewan writer Mary Weekes (see book liner notes) - has great value.

Her rare recording of 87yr old former frontier Indian Trader/Buffalo Hunter Norbert Welsh and subsequent spinning into book format has a very relaxed feel. It is one of the few authentic testimony's to the history of Canadian West that I could not put down and found quite arresting.

Apart form the eye-witness recounting of the hundreds of thousands of Buffalo that once roamed the western plains in what is Canada and America - we get a close-up view of the rise and fall of Indian Fur Trader life. Welsh's story appears to span from early childhood recollections, through young adulthood at 18yrs when he first began working and trading furs until the complete disappearance of Buffalo herds in the late 1870's and the subsequent decline of native/aboriginal plains tribes via disease, white settlers and railway expansion. It also includes his own accounts of trying to transition from the "Buffalo Economy" to survive at farming and then ranching in what is now Saskatchewan before abandoning both in failure. Finally he gives eyewitness accounts of Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont, Indian Leaders White Cap, Starblanket, Chief Crowfoot, Sitting Bull and most if not all of numerous Chief Factors of the Hudson's Bay Trade Posts across Manitoba and NWT.

A short but enjoyable read!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of Norbert Welsh, a Red River trader and buffalo hunter. This is a very interesting Canadian historical book which discusses surviving in the harsh Canadian winters, the lives of the Indian population and when the settlers arrived, and some very fascinating information in regards to buffalo hunting. It even briefly covers Louis Riel and the rebellion.
I believe this book, as well as “Gully Farm” are must- reads for all Canadians.

[Kim Cheladyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was So excited to find this book in an antique store. It was amazing to read his account of what it was like when the Canadian prairies was full of bison/buffalo. I also thought hearing how the buffalo became scarce and how that affected him and his family was a perspective we don’t hear of often. I do think he elevated his role and his accounts of his interactions with Gabriel Dumont and Louis Riel made them sound like disorganized,poor leaders…
So it is an interesting perspective for sure.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this account of the old West. It is unbelievable how tough the people were then. Norbert Welsh was born in 1845 and started working when he was 8. When he told his story to Ms. Weeks he was 87. It is certainly a tale of a by-gone world.

[Strick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story"

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing quite like a first person story from someone who has experienced important historical events. Norbert Welsh was there for the transition from the great buffalo hunts of the 1860s, to the Riel Rebellion, to life in the 20th century. His observations provide a unique view into this period.