Jerry Potts, Legendary Plainsman

The third issue in the Canadian folklore series, issued on September 8, 1992, focuses on Canadian heroes whose feats have taken on legendary proportions. Ky-yo-kosi, meaning Bear Child, was born in Montana around 1840 from a Blood Indian mother and a clerk with the American Fur Company. After his father died, his mother gave him to another fur trader and rejoined her tribe. Neglected again at age 5, a second trader, Andrew Dawson adopted him and taught him to read and write, along with the skills of an Indian warrior. In October 1870 he helped lead the Blood Indians during an attack on them by Crees and Assiniboines. The furthering violence prompted the creation of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873. Its first commissioner, George Arthur French hired Potts as a guide, scout and interpreter in 1874. For 22 years he served the "Mounties" well, fostering good relations between them and the Native peoples. After his death on July 14, 1896, the "Mounties" buried him with full military honours, firing a three-gun salute over his grave.