Alaska Native Youth Olympics Celebrate Ancestral Skills and Culture in Anchorage

The Native Youth Olympics in Alaska is not your typical sporting event. It’s a competition that pays tribute to the skills and techniques used by Alaska Native ancestors to survive in the harsh polar climate. Athletes from across the state gather to compete in events like the stick pull, seal hop, and the two-foot high kick, all designed to mimic the challenges faced by their forebears.

Nicole Johnson, a decorated Native athlete and head official of the event, emphasized the importance of preserving culture and heritage through these games. She herself has won over 100 medals and held a world record in the two-foot high kick for nearly three decades. The athletes, like Colton Paul from Kipnuk, find a deep connection to their ancestors through these competitions, with Paul setting a world record in the scissors broad jump last year.

For Awaluk Nichols, participating in the Native Youth Olympics is a way to stay connected to her Inupiaq heritage in a rapidly changing world. The events not only test physical abilities but also mental strength and teamwork, reflecting the challenges faced by Alaska Natives in their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

As these young athletes compete and celebrate their culture, they are keeping alive the traditions and values of their ancestors. The Native Youth Olympics is more than just a competition – it’s a way to honor the past and inspire the future.