Fairbanks

Every July, Fairbanks hosts the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO), a four-day series of traditional Alaska Native athletic competitions and dances. WEIO draws Native athletes and dancers from around the state, the United States and Canada, as well as visitors, fans and media from around the globe. WEIO is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and has asked all World Record Holders and former Miss WEIO’s to join in the festivities. Marjorie Tahbone, the 2010 Miss WEIO, was recently bestowed the title of “Miss Indian World 2011” at the annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The competitions at the Olympics not only provide entertainment, but give men and women the chance to test their strength, discipline and endurance—all qualities that are needed to survive in a harsh and often unforgiving climate.  New or revived games include Storytelling, Bench Reach, Swing Kick and Neck Pull. Additionally, there will be harpoon and seal hook demonstrations for the first time this year.

WEIO is also a time to don parkas, moosehide dresses and vests, mukluks and moccasins to compete in parka and Indian dress contests and to dance and tell stories through songs and motion. Dressed in kuspuks—traditional summer parkas—complete with feathered fans and drums, dancers perform throughout the four-day Olympics. WEIO gives visitors a chance to see unparalleled feats of endurance and agility. It is also a chance to browse through booths of authentic Alaska Native crafts, and meet the people who carved, sewed, wove or beaded the items.

The 50th WEIO games will take place at the Carlson Center July 20-23, 2011. To learn more about the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics visit the website www.weio.org. A PDF copy of the 2011 WEIO schedule is also available.