First Nations youths set to compete at ‘Knowledge Bowl’

Electricians have done the wiring. Buses have been scheduled. Teams have been drawn up. Even lunch has been arranged.
Now it will be up to the brainpower of nearly 80 First Nations youths from across the district to make this week’s first-annual “Knowledge Bowl” a hit.
“I think it will turn out great,” said Will Cyr, director of educational support services for the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority. “I’m truly satisfied with the number of students who decided to participate.”
Students from 11 district schools will get together Thursday morning at the Couchiching Bingo Palace to meet head-to-head in a quiz show format similar to “Reach for the Top.”
In fact, Fort High even donated its “Reach for the Top” setup to event organizers.
Teams from Lac La Croix, Big Grassy, Big Island, Crossroads, Donald Young, Huffman, Mine Centre, Our Lady of the Way, Robert Moore, St. Francis, and Onegaming all have pre-registered.
A few students from Riverview (Rainy River) will match up with a couple of yet-to-be confirmed competitors.
Students will answer questions in such categories as history, languages and culture, health and well-being, traditional sports and games, treaty law, and people and nations.
The 15-minute games will consist of three rounds with five questions in each one. Two games will be run simultaneously.
Students will participate in two divisions–grades five/six and grades seven/eight–and trophies will go the top teams in each one. Those trophies then will be circulated around area schools when, Cyr hoped, more “Knowledge Bowls” take place.
Everyone is encouraged to check out the “Knowledge Bowl.” Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. and it should wrap up by 2 p.m.
The event is funded primarily by Shooniiyaa Biidoong, a First Nations service based in Kenora.