Q: Who are Steele’s Scouts?

A: The originals date back to 1885 when during the North West Rebellion, Sam Steele, Inspector of the NWMP was asked to form a scouting troop to support the Alberta Field Force. Sam Steele recruited local cowboys and ranchers to volunteer and a number of NWMP to form the militia cavalry troop.

The Commemorative Troop Association was formed in 1977 and has appeared in the Calgary Stampede Parade and at Spruce Meadows in each year since. As well the troop has re-created the Marches of the Originals as well as participated in Marches to Fort Steele, B.C and to Fort Benton, Montana.

 

Q: Why join Steele’s Scouts?

A: If you have an interest in Western Canadian History and want to improve your horsemanship and have your horse benefit from the training that involves cavalry drills, parades and events like Spruce Meadows then Steele’s Scouts maybe of interest to you. There is a substantial time commitment for practices, parades and the three Spruce Meadows events. The March to Fort Benton in 2006 will require a ten day commitment.

 

Q: What are the costs?

A: The membership fee is $35 per year but you must have transportation for your horse to practice and events and put together the historically correct uniform.

 

Q: Why do you carry Winchester lever action carbines and side-arms and are they registered?

A: The Scouts have been judged to be historically correct and the carbines are working firearms that must be registered. The hand guns are replica 45 caliber revolvers that only fire blanks and do not have to be registered.

 

A Brochure on the Steele's Scouts is available in PDF(688 kb) format for download here.

 

For further information, please contact by email.