For the first time ever, a First Nations spelling bee in Saskatchewan will be sending their winners to a national spelling bee championship in Toronto.
First Nation schools across the province sent 140 students to compete in three different age categories at the First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee at North Battleford’s Don Ross Centre on Friday.
Chief Poundmaker School was the host of the event.
Several First Nation leaders and dignitaries welcomed the students and thanked the organizers for their ‘tireless’ work in making this event possible and successful.
Organizer Pauline Favel says it has been a difficult process to get the spelling bee sanctioned, but she says it was worth it.
“We feel that if we as a small school in Poundmaker with a committee of six can do this it is possible for anybody else,” says Favel.
The theme of the event was ‘Believe and Achieve.’
Favel says she hopes the event empowered students and gave them an opportunity to challenge themselves.
“Today’s spelling bee showed that our First Nation students are more than capable of competing at an academic event at any level.”
Students competed in three different age categories with the winner of each category eligible for the Spelling Bee of Canada national event in Toronto on May 15.
The winner in each category:
- Primary – ages 6 to 8 – William Kaysaywaysemat from Kahkewistahaw First Nation
- Junior – ages 9 to 11 – Makayla Cannepotato from Onion Lake Cree Nation
- Intermediate – ages 12 to 14 – Alexander Johnson from Saulteaux First Nation
William Kaysaywasemat, 8, won the Primary Age category. He says he wasn’t nervous and is looking forward to his trip to Toronto. William’s dad says he was proud.
Alexander Johnson, 12, who won the Intermediate category says it was an “awesome” experience. He says he is looking forward to the challenge the Toronto spelling bee will bring.
Favel says they have also provided funding to cover travel expenses for the winning students and at least one parent or guardian to travel to Toronto.
She also says some sponsors have already said they would be willing to support this event for years to come.