Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee

The Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2026, bringing together 256 First Nations students from across the province for a day of learning, confidence‑building, and cultural pride.

Held at Tommy Douglas Collegiate in Saskatoon, the event welcomed youths between the ages of 6 and 14, competing in the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate categories.

“The Spelling Bee is an incredible event that inspires confidence in the kids who participate. It’s about literacy, learning, and having fun,” said Lillian Denton, SIGA Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, and member of the Bee’s organizing committee.

“It’s so heartwarming to see students out there doing amazing things and building their skills” she added.

As the longstanding and founding presenting sponsor, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) continued its commitment to supporting opportunities that strengthen youth development, a core corporate pillar of SIGA.

“The vision of the Spelling Bee was that our children would have an opportunity to compete on a regional level and then go to the National Spelling Bee in Toronto,” said Desiree Gervais, SIGA VP of Human Resources & Corporate Relations.

“SIGA has supported that vision as a presenting sponsor and has worked with the Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee on helping to prepare and send dozens of school aged First Nation children from across every region of Saskatchewan to the national stage over the last 10 years.”

The spelling bee has become a cherished annual gathering, giving students the chance to showcase their spelling and literacy skills while also developing their public speaking abilities, sharpening their critical thinking, and building resilience in a supportive environment.

Organizers shared that the spirit of encouragement and celebration filled the room as participants stepped up to the microphone, many for the first time while others were returning to the stage for the second or third time.

Families, educators, and community supporters watched in focused silence throughout the morning as students expanded their vocabulary with focus and determination.

First‑place winners in each category advance to the 2026 National Championship of the Spelling Bee of Canada in Toronto in May 2026.

A decade of the spelling bee demonstrates the powerful impact that partnerships between SIGA, organizers, schools, and families can have in uplifting Saskatchewan First Nations youth and celebrating their potential.

2026 Saskatchewan First Nations Spelling Bee Winners

Primary  (ages 6-8): 1. Raquel Greenfield 2. Osa Ahenakew 3. Cayne Worme

Junior (ages 9-11): 1. Trenton Lemaigre 2. Leigha Cook 3. Karli Bobb

Intermediate (ages 12-14): 1. Isabelle Zdunich 2. Dallyn Tootoosis 3. Kingsley Bigsky-McNab