Unalakleet Seven-Grader Wins Iñupiaq Spelling Bee

0:00It's April 23rd. This is Anchorage News Today, your AI-powered local news. A seventh grader from Unally Cleat just claimed the top spot in the fourth annual statewide in New Piax spelling bee held virtually this year. Annabeth Huntington, who goes by her in-u-piax name, Ulujina, nailed the winning word Misksuk, which means they jumped, storms of North Force the event online instead of in-person, and it marked the first time Unally Cleat School joined the competition. Her mom, Suslick Mary Huntington, handled giving out the words, she's the district's cultural integration director and a native speaker. Annabeth was thrilled to share the win with her parents, saying it felt good even if not as lively as live. Her coach, Pani Chuk, who's learning the language right alongside the kids, stressed how these bees build pride in speaking and writing in New Piax, helping preserve it for the next generation. Second place went to a Kylin Bergamashki from White Mountain School, with Evelyn Huffman taking third, both from the Baring Strait District. Meanwhile, the 14th annual Upeak spelling bee

1:04happened in person down in Anchorage, where Jalen Stronghart won with Nakhonar Kael right, meaning things worth reading. These spelling bees show real momentum in keeping Indigenous languages alive, one word at a time, especially with young champs leading the way.