‘There's Alaska Native people from all over come together to celebrate,’ showcase tradition, culture, community
Two world records were set during the first two days of this year’s World Eskimo Indian Olympics happening this week at the Big Dipper arena in Fairbanks. It’s the 63th annual celebration of Native culture known as WEIO.
So far during this year’s WEIO, athletes have pushed their limits, dancers dazzled spectators, young women showcased their talents and a parade of babies sported traditional regalia. And the head organizer says it all shows the events about more than just competition.
“It’s a really great time for us to celebrate who we are and where we come from, and things and that our ancestors did, and how that strengthens us today,” says Amber Vaska, a Yupik from Aniak who chairs WEIO’s board of governors.
“There’s Alaska Native people from all over come together to celebrate,” she said Thursday.
WEIO vice chair Kunaq Tahbone is an Inupiaq from Nome, says this year’s event has attracted a lot of participants and spectators to see their feats of strength, speed and endurance.
Two new world records after two days
“We broke two world records this year, already,” she said.
Colton Paul from Mount Edgecombe set a new kneel jump mark of 69-and-a-half inches, and Bernard Clark of Wasilla set a one-hand reach record of 71 inches. And Vaska won the gold in the women’s kneel jump.
She says she’s come a long way since first competed in the event as a fifth-grader in Aniak.
“I was horrible at kneel jump!” she said. “I actually couldn’t really jump forward -- I jumped backwards!”
Tahbone says the events incorporate both competition and cooperation.
“The spirit of the games is very much helping each other to achieve our very best as individuals,” she said, “but also our best as competitors and family members.”
Celebrating elders, infants
That’s why there was a ceremony honoring elders in communities around the state who’ve passed on since last year’s WEIO. And an event that promotes Native culture among the youngest members of those communities, by dressing them in traditional elaborate hand-made outfits.
“There were a lot of Baby Regalia contestants,” she said. “So that was great.”
The Miss WEIO pageant also attracted a lot of contenders, according to Tahbone, who coordinates the event.
“We have five beautiful young ladies running for the title of Miss WEIO.”
On Wednesday, the pageant contestants participated in a talent show, and on Thursday, an impromptu speech contest. The winner will be crowned tonight. There will also be a medal ceremony for stick pull, ear pull, seal-skinning, blanket toss, two-foot high kick and Drop the Bomb events, with lots of dancing performances throughout the evening.
“So it’s really just a really great way to showcase our rich culture and heritage, Tahbone said, “and keep the traditions going.”
Admission will be free on Saturday morning, when the final rounds of competition will held for the swing kick, one-foot high kick and walrus-pull events, as well as the ear-weight qualifier. More information about those events, and ticket prices, is available on the WEIO Facebook page or weio.org.
Correction: This story has been revised to correct an error in the original version that stated WEIO has been held for 60 years. This year's WEIO is actually the 63rd annual event.
