The First Nations Regional Spelling Bee was held on Friday at E.D. Feehan High School in Saskatoon with 180 competitors between ages six and 14 competing for one of three spots to go to the national competition in Toronto.
The spelling bee is Saskatchewan’s only regional spelling bee and has been running since 2015. The top three placements in each regional bee category receive trophies and cash prizes. The first-place winners win an all-expenses paid trip to the National Championships in Toronto in May 2023.
The winners of the Primary category (ages 6-8) were: Amarys Mitsuing (first), Laya Campbell (second), Alex Shingoose Chalifoux (third).
Junior winners (ages 9-11) were: Kelry Campbell (first), Isabelle Zdunich (second), Ava Campbell (third).
Intermediate winners (ages 12-14) were: McKenna Fineblanket (first), Kane Mcnabb (second), Megan Kakum (third) .
McKenna Fineblanket, the winner of the this year’s Intermediate category, has been attending spelling bees since 2017. She finished third during the 2017 national championship, making this the second time she is going to nationals.
“I recommend everyone to attend the spelling bees. They are a lot of fun and you can really expand your vocabulary doing it.”
When asked before the competition in the morning, Fineblanket was unsure if she wanted to compete.
“I know the competition is later today, but I am not sure if I want to compete again,” Fineblanket said. “I can get very nervous before the competition and sometimes the pressure to get a word right when everyone is getting it wrong, can be a lot.”
Lori McAuley, one of the organizers, said before 2015 there was no regional competition in Saskatoon and they have been working hard to keep hosting the competition. The First Nations Spelling Bee is only open to Indigenous children. McAuley said it gives them a chance to compete on the national stage.
McAuley said that spelling bees are an important learning opportunity, that can support academic and all-round development.
“It gives them a chance to get up on a big stage in front of family, friends, teachers, and strangers. Just having the guts to get up there is a huge step for a child. It builds their confidence and their leadership capabilities.”