First Nations Spelling Bee Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Youth in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee marked its 10th anniversary with a vibrant event in Saskatoon, where young participants demonstrated remarkable dedication and growing confidence. Held at Tommy Douglas Collegiate, this initiative has provided a crucial platform for First Nations youth since its inception in 2015, enabling them to compete at national levels.
Dedication Leads to Victory
Eight-year-old Raquel Greenfield's journey to first place in the primary division exemplifies the power of persistence. Her mother, Megan Greenfield, shared that Raquel practiced nightly, repeating words until she spelled them correctly. "She's been really intentionally focused," Megan noted. This dedication paid off when Raquel confidently spelled "domestic" as her final word, securing her win.
For Raquel, a Grade 3 student from Brilliant Star Montessori School, this achievement is particularly meaningful. Her mother explained that Raquel is shy and struggles with anxiety in social situations, making her success even more significant. "I'm excited for her to have that opportunity," Megan said, highlighting that the experience was about more than just winning.
A Platform for Growth and Community
The spelling bee attracted around 200 participants from 20 communities across Saskatchewan, divided into three age categories: primary (ages six to eight), junior (nine to 11), and intermediate (12 to 14). Winners from each division will advance to the Spelling Bee of Canada's National Championships in Toronto on May 23, representing Saskatchewan on a national stage.
This event not only fosters academic skills but also builds community spirit. Seven-year-old Osa Ahenakew, the runner-up in the primary division, brought energy to the stage, which she attributes to her background in ballet and traditional powwow dance. When asked about her confidence, she pointed to her peers, saying, "All the spellers."
Her mother, Colby Calliou, shared that Osa surprised everyone by encouraging other competitors during the event. "There was one little kid there that was struggling and she was like, 'You got this! It's okay!'" Calliou said. Their preparation involved studying 15 words daily, with Osa writing any misspelled word 10 times to reinforce learning.
Celebrating a Decade of Impact
Founded in 2015, the Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee was created to give First Nations youth—many from small communities—a chance to shine nationally. Over the past decade, it has become a cornerstone event for fostering literacy, confidence, and cultural pride among participants.
For families like the Greenfields and Ahenakews, the spelling bee is about the experience and personal growth. Megan Greenfield emphasized this, saying, "I just told her she could do it. It was about the experience." When asked about her favorite word to spell, Osa Ahenakew didn't hesitate: "Milkshake."
Recognizing Excellence Across Age Groups
The event also celebrated winners in other categories, showcasing the talent and hard work of participants across Saskatchewan. In the intermediate category (ages 12 to 14), Isabelle Zdunich from Kenaston took first place, while Dallyn Tootoosis from Poundmaker Cree Nation secured second place.
As the spelling bee looks forward to its next decade, it continues to inspire young First Nations students to pursue academic excellence and build self-assurance, proving that with dedication and support, they can achieve great things on both local and national stages.
