First Nations spelling bee attracts 130 youngsters

A spelling bee for First Nations youth attracted 130 eager competitors for the first-ever such event in Saskatchewan.

The First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee took place in North Battleford, Sask., and youngsters from 21 First Nations across the province were there.

"It was pretty awesome," said Iris Dillon, one of the coaches for the Chief Taylor School at the Onion Lake Cree Nation. "[Some] words I've never heard of myself, and I'm a teacher."

Organizer Pauline Favel said family members were encouraged to help participants get ready for the competition.

"We have a lot of parents [and] grandparents here," Favel said. "They needed to be a part of this. That's the beauty of this initiative too. We're really saying we need your commitment as well."

Winners from the three different age categories were rewarded a trip to Toronto for an upcoming national spelling bee.