A Canadian law and justice icon was honoured Sunday in Orillia.
Sir Sam Steele, who was born in 1849 in what was then called Medonte Township and went to school in nearby Orillia, was a a famous player in Canadian history, says RCMP chaplain Gerry McMillan.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of Steele's death on Jan. 19, 1919.
McMillan, a longtime Orillian, said it was important to recognize the significance of Steele's contributions to the area.
“This man plays a huge role in the history of Canada,” he said. “First of all, he was part of the Grey-Simcoe Foresters. He became an instructor in the military in Kingston.”
At that time, Sir John A. Macdonald was forming the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), McMillan explained.
“Steele was the third recruit and the first contingent of Mounties that left from Collingwood for Fort Garry in Winnipeg,” he said. “The second contingent left a year later. Then they went out west to establish a police force and detachments.”
The reason they did that was to bring law and order under control out west, McMillan said.
“A lot of infamous people and whiskey traders were coming up and abusing the Indigenous peoples,” he said. “Other people were asking the government to do something, and that's what led to the formation of the NWMP."
If you go west, McMillan said, there are schools and forts named after Steele, who is also known for policing the railways, which helped Canada come together as a nation.
“Steele is also the one who policed the Yukon,” McMillan said. “He brought a totally different form of law and order, as compared to Alaska, which had more of a vigilante justice.”
The day began with a service at St. James’ Anglican Church, where Steele was baptized as a boy.
Following the service, Mayor Steve Clarke declared June 23 as Sir Sam Steele Day.
Later, a parade comprised of various front-line service officers left from the church to go down to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34.
Steele was also present at the service and parade, embodied within Michael Beresford, an Oro-Medonte Township resident, a veteran, retired OPP officer and Mariposa Arts Theatre director.
“It's an honour for me to portray him, because I feel a connection with him through what I've done in my life,” he said.
A closer affiliation was felt by the Grey and Simcoe Foresters troops, who took part in the service and ceremony.
“It's always a pleasure to be here,” said St. Col. Shane McArthur of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. “He is one of the iconic Canadians that helped form this country, but we like to be proud of the association we had with him before he became a part of the RCMP.”
The commanding officer said it’s important to make him relevant for this day and century.
“I believe history tells us a lot about ourselves and where we go in the future,” McArthur said. “He was such an important part of the expansion of this country in what he did.
"If you read about his history, you'll understand this nation better. And doing that helped us understand why we are the country we are today and regarded as one of the best countries in the world today.”
McMillan agreed with McArthur, and added Steele was a man of integrity.
“He was a family man,” said McMillan. “He was well-respected by his officers, and he was respected by the Indigenous communities. He built wonderful relationships with them over the years. That's why we're celebrating him today.”
The chaplain was surprised by how many people had turned out to help mark this day.
“This is a great day for Sir Sam Steele,” said Stefanie Montgomery, of Orillia, who was attending with about 200 others.
“We should be proud of our heritage. He was one of the founders of the RCMP, and look at what they have done for Canada in the way of justice and in protecting our country.”
