Peter Walker

Peter O. Walker was an actor, folk musician, educator, archaeologist, broadcaster, and passionate advocate for Manitoba’s cultural heritage.

Born in Stratford in east London, England, at the beginning of the Second World War, Peter developed an early love of music, theatre, travel, and storytelling. At the age of 16, he was accepted into the Birmingham Repertory Theatre School and went on to perform throughout the West Midlands in theatre and television.

Peter later returned to Market Harborough, where he taught guitar and helped operate a local folk club. With two friends, he formed the folk group The Travelling People, performing successfully throughout the Midlands and sharing the traditional music he loved.

In 1973, Peter immigrated to Canada and soon enrolled at the University of Manitoba as a mature student. There, he discovered anthropology and archaeology—fields that immediately captured his imagination. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1978 and a Bachelor of Education in 1979.

After participating in several summer excavations, Peter began producing and hosting Archaeology in Manitoba in 1979. The cable television program continued for more than 15 years and took him across the province to document archaeological projects and interview the people uncovering Manitoba’s past. He also co-hosted and appeared on Heritage in Manitoba, further helping make history and archaeology accessible to the public.

Peter built his professional career with the Historic Resources Branch of Manitoba’s Department of Culture and Heritage. His work reflected his belief that history should not remain hidden in archives or excavation sites, but should be shared with the wider community.

In 1989, Peter received a Prix Manitoba Heritage Award for his outstanding contributions to public education and the promotion of Manitoba’s heritage. He and his wife, Pat, who also worked as an archaeologist with the Historic Resources Branch, retired together in 2004.

Peter shared his love of music, history, culture, travel, and good food with Pat and their large blended family. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend.

Peter passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on November 5, 2011, at the age of 72, with Pat by his side.