Saskatchewan's First Nations provincial spelling bee puts kids in the spotlight

Kids from First Nations around Saskatchewan are practicing their spelling in preparation for the very first First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee on Friday.

The spelling bee, which will be held in North Battleford, Sask. at the Don Ross Centre, was organized by Pauline Favel.

"Little did we know the amount, the enormity of this project," Favel said on CBC's Saskatchewan Weekend.

We are doing something that's positive for First Nations kids, positive for First Nations schools, and we appreciate the support we are getting.- Pauline Favel

A couple of years ago, Favel organized a smaller scale spelling bee for First Nations schools in her area. This year the teacher from the Chief Poundmaker School on the Poundmaker Cree Nation located about 190 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, decided to go big and make it province wide.

Although it's been a lot of work and a lot of fundraising, Favel said it is worth it.

"If you look at socially disadvantaged backgrounds – some of our youth live with their grandparents some may be in care – this is a time where they are going to shine and they don't get a lot of that," she said.

Favel said the children are already improving their spelling, comprehension and communication as they prepare for the big competition. They are also building self-confidence and self-esteem.

"They are probably frightened, they are probably scared, and they will probably be nervous and they will probably be a little shaky but they will always remember this experience," Favel said, adding she still remembers what she wore for her first oratory competition.

About 148 students from 21 First Nations schools are expected to take part in the spelling bee with competitors ranging from age six to 14. As a part of Spelling Bee of Canada, the winning students will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to travel to Toronto for the national spelling bee competition.

Favel said for their very first year organizing the event, the response has been amazing.

"We are doing something that's positive for First Nations kids, positive for First Nations schools, and we appreciate the support we are getting," she said.