Jerry Potts' father was a Scottish clerk and his
mother a Blood Indian. As a youth he developed
his skills as a tracker and as a fighter against the
Crees and Assiniboines who were enemies of the
Blackfoot, Bloods and Piegan Indians. He became
a great hunter and guide.

Jerry Potts fought for the Blackfoot confederacy
by commanding the Bloods in the 1870 war which
was initiated by the Cree Indians. Potts was at
Fort Whoop-Up when the fight started. The Bloods
sent for Jerry. He headed a war party which got
around behind the Crees and forced them into
the open and across the river. Potts was later
quoted as saying there were so many Crees that
you could shut your eyes, fire, and still hit a Cree.
In addition to the exchanging of shots several Crees
were severely injured by the Bloods throwing rocks
in the air so that they showered on the Crees down
the hill.

Assistant Commissioner James Macleod of the
Northwest Mounted Police hired him in 1874 to
act as a guide and interpreter. He assisted them
in their campaigns against outlaws and whiskey
traders.

Jerry Potts was accepted by the Indians and the
whites alike. He remained in the service of the
Mounties until his death in 1896.

Native History