Alaska Native Culture - 2024
Games of Agility & Mobility
Samantha Phillips Tlingit 2023-09-27 12:55:23
Strength and resilience are essential to surviving Alaska’s harsh elements. Traditionally, Alaska Natives trained their youth with athletic challenges that would prepare them for the demands of hunting and fishing. These practices evolved into the games of agility and mobility that are showcased in the Alaska Native Olympics today.
While the Native Youth Olympics (NYO) is primarily for 7th-12th graders, the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO) gathers Alaska’s most disciplined athletes of all ages. With no age divisions, a youth may be competing alongside an elder, or even their coach. This fosters an intergenerational connection among Alaska Native athletes who compete in these astounding events.
EAR PULL
Participants loop a string around their ear and engage in a test of strength and endurance, attempting to dislodge their opponent’s ear pull loop. Originally invented to toughen ears for freezing Arctic hunts, this event demonstrates resilience, pain tolerance, and mental fortitude.
BLANKET TOSS
Participants are launched high into the air from a suspended blanket or walrus hide. The game represents unity, strength, and celebration, as participants soar into the sky while the community cheers and sings below. Iñupiaq used this elevated point of view for spotting game like caribou in the far-off distance in ancient times.
SEAL HOP
Challenges participants to propel themselves forward by hopping on their hands and feet. This game pays homage to the natural world and emphasizes physical fitness and endurance. It started out as a way for hunters to sneak up on seals.
INDIAN STICK PULL
Participants grasp opposite ends of a greased stick and strive to pull their opponent off balance. Requiring technique, grip strength, and agility, it was traditionally used as a way to strengthen hands and wrists for fishing season.
ALASKAN HIGH KICK
Tests participants’ flexibility and leg strength as they kick a suspended ball at increasing heights. This game requires precision, balance, and explosive power. In the Arctic, a messenger would kick both feet in the air in the same fashion to signal to the village that a whale was caught.
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