Todd’s family connection with Alberta began in 1889 when his grandfather, after being employed with the Canadian Pacific Railway, helped open one of the first general stores in Canmore. While he comes from an Asian heritage, he was regaled with stories of colourful characters like Guy Weddick, Pat Burns and pioneers like Western Slim and John Ware.
Later in life, immersing himself in the western lifestyle, Todd rode bulls with the Foothills Cowboy Association along the Cowboy Trail. After deciding that ‘he breaks and no longer bounces’, he turned his attention to horses. He started writing poetry to entertain guests while working as a wrangler for Holiday on Horseback in Banff and at Rafter 6 Ranch in Kananaskis.
The stories of the poetry Todd weaves are a combination of Alberta history humour and the odd tall tale. In addition to writing, Todd spends the off season tooling leather and building western style Vaquero saddles.
Todd Nakamura
403-688-1162
stoddnakamura@gmail.com
