World Eskimo-Indian Olympics

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World Eskimo-Indian Olympics Celebrating Alaska Native culture with traditional games, dance, arts, and community.

Join us in Fairbanks each July for four days of competition, heritage, and fun! History: From time immemorial, Native peoples of the circumpolar areas of the world gathered in small villages to participate in games of strength, endurance, balance and agility. Along with these athletic games, dancing, storytelling and other audience participation games took place. This provided an opportunity for friendly competition, entertainment and good hearted fun. Hosting villages provided food and lodging to their guests from near and far. Visitors brought news from surrounding villages and renewed old friendships that often carried through multiple generations. The World Eskimo Indian Olympics seeks to replicate that atmosphere and provide a venue for the continuation of those traditions and relationships. The WEIO was established in response to fears of the traditional games being lost during times of rapid Alaskan development.

That is a wrap on an absolutely unforgettable week at WEIO! 🎉​The final day of competition did not disappoint, and it ha...
07/19/2026

That is a wrap on an absolutely unforgettable week at WEIO! 🎉

​The final day of competition did not disappoint, and it has been truly inspirational to witness the incredible spirit of community, celebration, and culture over the last four days. Our athletes pushed boundaries, honored traditions, and achieved mind-blowing feats of strength and endurance.
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​Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, vendors, and fans who came out to the Bto make this week so special. The tradition continues because of your dedication, and we already can't wait for next year!

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07/19/2026

Last game of WEIO… the Knuckle Hop.

Athletes hold a low push-up position, supported only by their toes and clenched knuckles. They then hop forward for distance without letting any other body part touch the floor. No pads, no gloves—just raw endurance and bleeding knuckles.

​The hopping motion mimics a seal on the ice, a technique hunters used to sneak up on prey without scaring them away. Also, the Arctic demands extreme resilience. This game tests an athlete's ability to push past the absolute limits of physical pain and mental exhaustion.

​Today, it’s a powerful celebration of Indigenous heritage, ancestral survival skills, and an unbreakable spirit.
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📢 Tonight is your last chance to get in on the WEIO 50/50 raffle! Last night, our lucky winner walked away with half the...
07/19/2026

📢 Tonight is your last chance to get in on the WEIO 50/50 raffle! Last night, our lucky winner walked away with half the pot of $1,123!

​Even if you don’t take home the cash pot, you still have plenty of chances to win some incredible prizes donated by our talented arts and crafts vendors, as well as a fantastic getaway from the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

​Come down to the Carlson Center, grab your tickets, and help support the event we all love. We’ll see you there for the final night of tradition and celebration!

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07/19/2026

ANOTHER ABSOLUTE RECORD-BREAKER OF A MORNING AT WEIO! 🎉

This morning’s swing kick events were absolutely legendary.

On the women’s side, huge congratulations to Anastasha Wilde of Anchorage for putting on a spectacular performance to kick 56" and tie the World Record! By hitting this mark, she matches the record originally kicked by Eden Hopson of Utqiagvik back in 2022.

The momentum carried right into an historic men’s swing kick competition that had everyone on their feet. In a mind-blowing showcase of pure athleticism, Peter Griggs of Anchorage, Bernard Clark of Wasilla, and Matthew Chugluak of Anchorage all kicked past the previous world record. Matthew Chugluak claimed the gold and now holds the new World Record at 68"!

What an amazing morning. If you weren’t able to catch the action live, here are the videos of these historic moments! 🎥👇

07/19/2026

Watch the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics LIVE from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Last evening of WEIO:
ATHLETES, DANCER & PARTICIPANT PARADE
SWING KICK & WALRUS PULL Demonstrations
ONE FOOT HIGH KICK (Traditional Style) Finals & Medals
DANCE PERFORMANCE
MEN’S BLANKET TOSS Finals & Medals
EAR WEIGHT Finals & Medals
KNUCKLE HOP Finals & Medals

07/18/2026

Watch the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics live from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Saturday day events:
Swing kick
Traditional style one foot high kick
Walrus pull
Ear weight qualifiers

The final day of the 65th annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics is here—this is your last chance to experience tradition a...
07/18/2026

The final day of the 65th annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics is here—this is your last chance to experience tradition and celebrate our cultures at WEIO 2026!

While you’re out enjoying Golden Days festivities, head over to the Carlson Center to catch Saturday’s full schedule of events, including Swing Kick, Walrus Pull, One Foot High Kick presented by Doyon, Limited, Men’s Blanket Toss Finals presented by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, Ear Weight, Knuckle Hop, dance performances, and the Closing of the Games.

This is also your last chance to pick up beautiful aunty earrings and special gifts for your loved ones from our vendors—don’t miss it! Come cheer on the athletes and be part of an unforgettable night honoring strength, skill, and culture at WEIO 2026.

Friday night at WEIO brought athletic feats and beautiful cultural displays. In the Two Foot High Kick, Colton Paul of K...
07/18/2026

Friday night at WEIO brought athletic feats and beautiful cultural displays. In the Two Foot High Kick, Colton Paul of Kipnuk soared to an incredible 8' 8" to tie the World Record!

The excitement continued with the Women’s Blanket Toss, a celebration of community, trust, and teamwork that launched athletes high into the air. We also celebrated the crowning of our new Miss WEIO, Nanieezh Peter, formerly Miss Fairbanks Native Association, who will represent our culture, grace, and leadership this coming year.

There is only one last day to catch the tradition tomorrow! Come out to the Carlson Center to support the incredible athletes and artists. You won't want to miss it!

07/18/2026

Congratulations to Colton Paul of Kipnuk for tying the World Record in the Two Foot High Kick tonight at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO), reaching a height of 8' 8"! 🙌

By hitting this mark, Colton ties the record again, originally set back in 1988 by Brian Randazzo—a record Colton first matched in 2024. The Two Foot High Kick traditionally used as a signal to communicate a successful hunt to the village, this event demands immense strength, balance, and focus.

Colton, your dedication, strength, and perseverance continue to inspire all of us. Congratulations!

07/18/2026

Watch the World Eskimo Olympics live from Fairbanks, Alaska. Friday evening events:
Open Regalia Parade
Dance Performance
Two Foot High Kick Finals
Dance Performance
Women’s Blanket Toss Finals
Seal Skinning Contest
Miss WEIO Coronation & Court
Dance Performance

Address

535 Second Avenue , Suite 206 (Co-Op Plaza)
Fairbanks, AK
99701

Telephone

+19074526646

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