FIRST NATIONS PROVINCIAL SPELLING BEE

History was made in April 2016 thanks to the leadership and vision of Pauline Favel. For the first time ever, a First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee (FNPSB) was held in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. The event provided First Nations children an opportunity to prepare, practice and compete in the provincial competition sanctioned by Spelling Bee of Canada.

Over 120 students ages 6 – 14, who represented nineteen First Nations Schools across Saskatchewan competed in the first FNPSB. The three finalists earned the right to compete at the National Championship in Toronto. In 2017 the FNPSB expanded their capacity to 39 schools and 157 participants from across Saskatchewan. 

The FNPSB aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Report goal of creating partnerships and opportunities for building student engagement and lifelong learning for First Nations youth in our communities. The intention of the FNPSB was to create a venue to increase the literacy rates of our First Nations youth and to demonstrate that First Nations students are just as skilled and talented and can compete with the best of the best given the opportunity.

For all inquiries, please contact Pauline Favel, President, FNPSB, at (306) 480-6392 and fnpsb.sboc@gmail.com.

SPELLING BEE OF CANADA

Spelling Bee of Canada, established in 1987, is an educational organization that encourages youth, parents, teachers and the community at large to participate in the education process. With the support of schools, student literacy representatives, sponsors, parents, chapter presidents and volunteers, Spelling Bee of Canada aims to encourage young people to expand their vocabulary, communication skills and self-confidence, by providing a foundation for future scholastic achievements.

For all inquiries please contact Julie Spence, Founder, Spelling Bee of Canada, at info@spellingbeeofcanada.ca. Please visit www.spellingbeeofcanada.ca.

Only 4 out of 10 on reserve youth complete high school. Together, we can do something to change this.

We are very proud to announce our recent partnership with Indspire—an impressive Indigenous-led charity investing in education and fostering bright futures for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit youth. As our National Impact Partner, Indspire will help us connect Bee Nation to communities and schools so the documentary can be used as a tool to inspire Indigenous kids and showcase student success. 

You can learn more and support Indspire’s work by visiting www.indspire.ca.

"Indspire is proud to be the National Impact Partner of the Bee Nation film.  Through partnerships like this one, we are helping build brighter futures for Indigenous youth, like those whose stories are shared in Bee Nation.  By investing in Indigenous education, we are inspiring students across Canada to reach their full potential."

-Roberta Jamieson, President & CEO, Indspire