Kootenay Brown

John George Brown (10 October 1839 – 18 July 1916), better known as "Kootenai" Brown, was an Irish-born Canadian soldier, prospector, trader, guide, forest ranger, and conservation advocate.

Early life John George Brown was born and educated in Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland. Brown was commissioned as a British Army officer in 1857 "without purchase" (a reference to the practice then common of purchasing officers' commissions), joining the 8th Regiment as an ensign.

Always arguing vigorously for the region's preservation, after the Kootenay Lakes Forest Reserve was established in 1895, Brown became a fishery officer and in 1910, a forest ranger.

He lived to see the reserve expanded into Waterton Lakes National Park, which became contiguous with Glacier National Park in Montana, in 1914.

Personal life In 1869, Kootenay Brown married a local Métis woman and ultimately made a living bison hunting and wolfing.

Kootenay Brown died in Waterton Lakes, Alberta, Canada and was buried alongside his two wives.

In popular culture The 1991 movie The Legend of Kootenai Brown starring Tom Burlinson, Raymond Burr and Donnelly Rhodes, provides a loose portrayal of his life.

The Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek, Alberta, is named after Kootenai Brown for his contribution to the history of the surrounding area. Kootenai Brown's cabin is also located on site.