Celebrating the 2024 World Eskimo Indian Olympics

The World Eskimo Indian Olympics is a cultural event that celebrates many aspects of Alaska Native life, including dance.

NPS Photo / Deja Jackson

WEIO games were originally created to test a person’s hunting and survival skills as well as keep them strong and prepared throughout the winter.

NPS Photo / Deja Jackson

What are the World Eskimo Indian Olympics?

Both the National Park Service (NPS) and the World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO) share a commitment to preserving and celebrating Alaskan Native culture. WEIO is an annual competitive event celebrating the rich cultural heritage and traditional sports of Indigenous peoples from the circumpolar North. Interns working with Tribal Relations with the National Park Service, Deja Jackson and Charlee Korthuis, had the opportunity of attending WEIO during the week of July 10-13, 2024.

Games at WEIO are designed to test participants' strength, endurance, and resilience: all representing a hunting skillset needed to survive off the land. These games were created to test a person’s hunting and survival skills as well as to preserve cultural practices and traditional skills essential to life in Alaska. WEIO features a variety of unique competitions, including One-Foot High Kick, Two-Foot High Kick, Eskimo Stick Pull, and Knuckle Hop. Matches are played in a best two out of three format with the winner advancing in a double-elimination bracket until the final contestant remains. The event also includes traditional dance, music, pageants and storytelling, offering a vibrant showcase of Native Alaskan and other Indigenous cultures.

During her visit to WEIO, Deja Jackson interviewed WEIO participants and attendees to gain insights into the importance of Native Youth Olympics games and the preservation of Native Alaskan traditions across the state. Explore interviewees’ bios below to learn more about their personal experiences at WEIO:

John teaches Eskimo dancing to younger generations, a practice that was instilled in him by the elders of his community.

NPS Photo / Deja Jackson

Iñupiaq Tradition: John Brings the Joy of Eskimo Dancing to Wainwright and shares it at WEIO

John, an Iñupiaq native from Wainwright, Alaska, has roots deeply embedded in both Utqiaġvik (formally known as Barrow) and Wainwright, with his father's family hailing from Barrow and his mother's from Wainwright. Born in Barrow and raised in Wainwright, John has been a lifelong participant in traditional Eskimo dancing, a cultural expression that he passionately preserves and shares with his community.

For those unfamiliar with traditional Eskimo dancing, John explains that many of the songs and dances are rich with meaning and history. Some songs narrate stories of travel or everyday life, while others are simply for fun and inclusivity. The first song in a dance session typically serves as a welcoming gesture, introducing the dance group to the audience and establishing their origins.

John continues to teach Eskimo dancing to younger generations, a practice that was instilled in him by the elders of his community. They sought him out, recognizing his potential to lead and preserve this cultural tradition. John emphasizes the importance of this practice in fostering happiness, community, and positivity, particularly in combating issues like loneliness, depression, and the negative impacts of social media. In the past 5-10 years, John has seen a significant change in Wainwright, with more children and adults actively participating in Eskimo dancing.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of the Iñupiaq culture and language, spurring a renewed commitment to keep these traditions alive.  Eskimo dancing, or "aggi," as it is locally known, is more than just a performance—it's a community event that brings people together in joy and celebration. For John, Eskimo dancing means happiness, positivity, and fun. Since he began attending dance events at the age of 8 in 1984, he has witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of this tradition on his community. John's hope is that everyone who participates or watches these dances experiences the same joy and positivity that he does, and he encourages the younger generation to continue this vibrant and meaningful practice.

Colton has competed in Native Youth Olympic games since the age of eight.

NPS Photo / Deja Jackson

Yupik Athlete's Dedication to Traditional Games Aims to Inspire Future Generations

Nineteen year-old Colton Paul has been an enthusiastic participant in traditional games, beginning his journey at the age of eight. His passion for the Eskimo-Indian Olympics (EIO) was sparked by watching his older brother compete. His brother’s best friend, who often came over to practice, also played a significant role in igniting Colton's interest. It was during one of these practice sessions that Colton first tried the One-Foot High Kick and instantly got hooked.

Over the years, he expanded his skills to include the Two-Foot High Kick, kneel jump, Alaskan high kick, and scissor broad jump. The Two-Foot High Kick holds the most meaning for Colton. Through rigorous practice, he managed to tie a record that had stood for 36 years. Although he felt a tinge of disappointment for not breaking the record, tying it was a significant achievement that reaffirmed his capabilities. The strict requirement for equal foot placement makes the Two-Foot High Kick particularly challenging, and Colton's accomplishment in this event was a testament to his dedication and skill. In addition to the Two-Foot High Kick, Colton has excelled in several other events. He broke the kneel jump record by 2.5 inches, achieving 69.5 inches, and secured first place in the toe kick with a 90-inch jump. While he didn't place in the one-arm reach, his participation in the traditional One-Foot High Kick remains notable.

Colton hopes to inspire current and future generations, much like Brian Randazzo Sr. did for him in 1988. He aims to be a well-known figure in both his community and the Native Youth Olympics (NYO) community, leveraging his viral videos to encourage global participation in Alaskan NYO. Colton believes that these traditional games are crucial for preserving and revitalizing Alaska’s cultural heritage. He currently works at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where he deepens his understanding of the origins and significance of these traditional games. These games, rooted in the survival skills of the fittest, foster a strong sense of community and respect. Colton's journey and achievements in traditional games not only highlight his personal dedication but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for younger generations to embrace and keep the rich cultural traditions of Alaska alive.

Margret (left) shared a deep connection to her cultural roots and a passion for preserving her heritage with NPS intern, Deja Jackson (right).

NPS Photo

Margret Tetoseak: Iñupiaq Culture and Tradition

Margret Tetoseak, known by her Iñupiaq name Anataq, has a deep connection to her cultural roots and a passion for preserving her heritage. Originally from Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Margret now resides in Fairbanks, Alaska. A former whaler and dancer, she played a pivotal role in teaching her dance group how to sing traditional songs, ensuring that these important cultural practices continue.

One of Margret's favorite events to watch at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO) is the ear pull, which she finds particularly entertaining. Margret believes that to maintain their native identity, it is crucial for Indigenous people to openly discuss and pass down their traditions. "To be any kind of Native, we have to talk about it to not lose our way, to pass it on. So we don't lose it," she says. Her dedication to cultural preservation extends to her family. Her two older children speak Iñupiaq, a skill Margret acquired growing up in Barrow. She has always encouraged her children to practice their language and traditional ways. Although her two younger children know only a little Iñupiaq, Margret values their efforts to learn and appreciates that they are still trying.

Raised by her grandmother (akuluuq), Margret has instilled the importance of cultural continuity in her family. Her husband, Bill, has also been actively involved in supporting WEIO, earning recognition with an ivory token and wheel for his contributions. Bill, now 81, has been a constant support in Margret’s life; his mother used to light the traditional oil candle, adding to their family's rich cultural heritage. Margret's message to the younger generation is clear: encourage each other, learn to speak your language, and continue dancing. Her lessons include practical advice: "No chewing gum, keep your smile, and have fun!" Her commitment to her culture and her efforts to pass on these traditions serve as an inspiration to all who wish to preserve their heritage.

Some WEIO events, such as the two-foot high kick, require great athleticism and flexibility.

NPS Photo / Deja Jackson

List of WEIO Events

• Miss WEIO Pageant

• Dance performances 

• Fish cutting contest

• Seal skinning contest

• Muktuk eating contest

• Regalia contest (6months - 36months)

• Open regalia contest (6 months & older)

• Blanket Toss

• Kneel Jump

• Four Man Carry

• Toe Kick

• One Hand Reach

• Race of the Messenger 

• Scissor Broad Jump

• Fish cutting contest

• Inuit Stick Pull

• Alaskan high kick

• Greased Pole Walk

• Dena Stick Pull

• Drop the Bomb

• Two-Foot High Kick

• Swing Kick

• Walrus Pull

• Ear Weight

• Traditional One-Foot High Kick

• Knuckle Hop