Students to test their brains at ‘Knowledge Bowl’

First Nations students from around the district will be at the Couchiching Bingo Palace later this month to test their know-how in aboriginal matters in the first-annual “Knowledge Bowl.”
Slated March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to about 2 p.m., aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit youth in grades five to eight will compete in the contest, which is being modelled after the “Reach for the Top” competition held between Canadian schools.
“I’ve been wanting to promote native content within the educational curriculum,” said Will Cyr, director of educational support services for the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority.
“I want schools to be proactive in finding learning materials related to native issues,” he added.
Although Cyr did not know how many students would compete, he did note there are about 230 First Nations students in grades five to eight who could possibly attend.
Besides those coming from all district public and separate schools, students from Big Island, Big Grassy, Lac La Croix, and Mine Centre also will compete.
Categories will include native history, languages, and culture; health and well-being; art; traditional sports and games; treaty law; and people and nations.
Cyr, who has had experience organizing collegiate-level “Knowledge Bowls” in the United States, said students probably won’t be participating on “school teams” but rather will form teams on the spot.
“School pride isn’t as important as participation is,” he explained.
Students will participate in two divisions–grades five/six and grades seven/eight.
Trophies will go to the team that excels in its division.
Cyr also noted Fort Frances High School has donated some of its “Reach for the Top” materials for the event.
All in all, Cyr is optimistic about the event.
“We encourage everyone to participate, especially the public,” he said. “I think it will be exciting. From what I’ve heard from people so far, there’s definitely a good atmosphere forming about this.”