World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks
The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, founded in 1961 and held in Fairbanks, presents athletic and cultural practices from Alaska Native and wider circumpolar communities. Contests include forms such as the one-foot and two-foot high kick, ear pull, seal hop or knuckle hop, stick pull and blanket toss, accompanied by dance, regalia and cultural presentation. The recurring practices—Alaska Native high-kick competitions, strength and endurance games, and dance and cultural presentation—tie the public program to the place and the people who sustain it.
WEIO matters because it preserves Alaska Native athletic traditions that carry practical knowledge, identity and intergenerational pride.