Riel Scouts
Riel Scouts. Riel Life Experience.
Connect to Métis culture, language, and community through hands-on, land-based learning. Join the exclusive Riel Scouts pilot phase today and help shape the future of Métis youth programming!
What is Riel Scouts?
The Riel Scouts is an outdoor education program, offering a unique opportunity for Métis children and youth to step outside, learn from the land, and build a lifelong connection to their culture and language. It is a program tailored to each participant’s individual growth, health, and wellness.
Riel Scouts Vision:
To provide an opportunity for Métis youth in the homeland to participate in a community driven and Métis specific program focused on self-confidence, culture, language, wellness, and connection to community.
Riel Scouts Mission:
Riel Scouts engages Métis youth with experiences throughout the year providing them with a non-formal educational process, using a specific method that makes each individual responsible for their development as a self-reliant, supportive, responsible and committed person. The youth will work towards earning badges through individual merit and achievement.
Program Goals:
- Prepare our youth today for tomorrow’s challenges
- Immerse youth in core Métis values
- Retain Métis culture and language
How Does the Pilot Phase Work?
The Riel Scouts pilot phase will run from September 2026 to May 2027, with select Locals offering the program to Métis youth in their communities. Full program launch is expected for September 2027.
MN–S Locals offering Riel Scouts programs:
- 9 - Pinehouse (Kineepik)
- 13 - Yorkton
- 18 - Lloydminster
- 19 - La Ronge
- 21 - Île-à-la-Crosse (A La Baie)
- 28 - St. Louis
- 31 - Meadow Lake
- 33 - Regina Métis Council
- 35 - Swift Current
- 42 - Cumberland House
- 44/135 - Moosomin and Rocanville
- 61 - Debden
- 62 - Buffalo Narrows
- 160 - Moose Jaw
Why Were Certain Locals Selected for the Riel Scouts Pilot?
Pilot locations were selected based on a Locals interest in being part of the pilot program, as well as consideration of Regional representation.
The pilot phase was intentionally limited in size so the program could launch in a thoughtful and manageable way. A smaller pilot allows us to learn what works, identify what may need to be adjusted before the broader launch, and ensure participating communities receive the support needed for a successful first year.
Not being part of the pilot does not mean your area will be left out. More communities may have the opportunity to participate when the full launch of Riel Scouts occurs in September 2027. Riel Scouts locations will be based on Local interest, readiness, and available capacity.
How Does the Program Work?
The program is led by trained Captains from the community, creating a safe and supportive space for youth to learn, connect, and grow. Scouts will grow their confidence and self-esteem while discovering core Métis values.
As Scouts master new skills, they will earn unique merit badges to celebrate their personal growth. These badges are based on demonstrated knowledge, skills, and competencies through the lens of Métis culture and language. These will be essential areas such as Wilderness, Harvesting, Environment, Languages, History, and more.
Eligibility:
- MN–S registered citizens, ages 5-16
Please Note: Registration does not guarantee program participation. This will depend on registration numbers for each Scout Party, offered in each Local.
How are Youth Participants Selected?
Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Métis Citizens who are members of a Local piloting the program
- Métis Youth Citizens who's parents are members of a Local piloting the program
- Métis Youth Citizens who are not members of a Local piloting the program
There may be more than one scout party per age group if there are sufficient Captains to provide that service. Not all locations will run all age groups (this is registrant and captain dependent)
Be Part of the Pilot Phase!
We are currently launching the Riel Scouts pilot phase, running from September 2026 to May 2027.
By joining this initial phase, your child will play a vital role in testing and refining the program's activities, resources, and delivery. Your participation and feedback will directly shape the final experience before the second phase of Riel Scouts – a full provincial expansion in September 2027.
Youth registration is now closed for most participating Locals. However, applications are still being accepted for select Locals. Please apply now for Local 9 - Pinehouse (Kineepik), Local 21 - Île-à-la-Crosse (A La Baie), Local 42 - Cumberland House, or Local 222 - Tisdale
If you are interested in leading as a Riel Scouts Captain for one of the identified Pilot Phase Locals, please contact rielscouts@mns.ca
Resources:
For any questions about Riel Scouts, please contact rielscouts@mns.ca