Canada. A North West Canada Medal with Saskatchewan clasp to Sergt J. McPhail, 91st Winnipeg Light Infantry

In silver, rim privately engraved SERGT J. McPHAIL No 104 91ST W.L.I., with SASKATCHEWAN clasp, full size, bright, minor contact, extremely fine. 

Footnote: The North West Canada medal was issued unnamed, however many soldiers had their medals privately engraved or impressed. 

A private James McPhail of the Light Infantry Battalion Winnipeg is noted in the Military Medals, Honours and Awards for the North West Canada Rebellion. James McPhail was awarded 320 acres of land for his service in the militia. 

The 91st Winnipeg Light Infantry, a Canadian militia unit, was mobilized for service in the North-West Rebellion to reinforce federal forces responding to the Métis and Indigenous uprising in the North-West Territories. The regiment contributed men to field operations, guarding supply lines, and supporting engagements at key locations such as Batoche. While many units were newly formed or locally recruited, the 91st W.L.I.’s involvement demonstrated the reliance on citizen-soldiers from urban centres like Winnipeg to supplement regular forces during domestic conflicts, highlighting the role of regional militias in the early development of Canada’s national military structure.