World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO)
This summer, Anchorage hosted the World Eskimo Indian Olympics (aka WEIO) for the first time. It is usually held in Fairbanks, so I felt lucky to be able to attend such an incredible event. There were dancers from different native groups from all over the country. The events were unusual, but gripping. The ear pull (a loop around an ear of each contestant) is a contest of pain endurance rather than strength, resulting in stitches for the winners.
I watched the finals of the two footed high kick involving strength, precision and endurance. It went on for a long time with the small ball (the target) being raised after each successful attempt. As it went on, I was amazed at the athletes ability to jump and reach even higher when they must have been wiped out. The seal skinning contest was won, not by youth and strength (though I'm sure that serious muscles were involved) but through an effort involving skill and experience.
In every event, competitors gave advice and support to each other, even if the result was that another athlete won the competition over the advisor. And, because of that, calling the event a "competition" seems inaccurate. Everyone who participated held each other up and cheered each other on. It felt very Alaskan to me, as that is my own experience here. As each event began, the native announcers described the games, how they were played and judged, and how they traditionally helped their people survive the harsh Northern climate.
In modern times, these games connect the native groups to each other and their shared past. And so, they all win. Just being allowed to watch and cheer raised my own spirits as well.
Anchorage just hosted the World Eskimo Indian Olympics (aka WEIO). It is usually held in Fairbanks, so I felt lucky to be able to attend such an incredible event. There were dancers from different native groups from all over the country. The events were unusual, but gripping. The ear pull (a loop around an ear of each contestant) is a contest of pain endurance rather than strength, resulting in stitches for the winners.
I watched the finals of the two footed high kick involving strength, precision and endurance. It went on for a long time with the small ball (the target) being raised after each successful attempt. As it went on, I was amazed at the athletes ability to jump and reach even higher when they must have been wiped out. The seal skinning contest was won, not by youth and strength (though I'm sure that serious muscles were involved) but through an effort involving skill and experience.
In every event, competitors gave advice and support to each other, even if the result was that another athlete won the competition over the advisor. And, because of that, calling the event a "competition" seems inaccurate. Everyone who participated held each other up and cheered each other on. It felt very Alaskan to me, as that is my own experience here. As each event began, the native announcers described the games, how they were played and judged, and how they traditionally helped their people survive the harsh Northern climate.
In modern times, these games connect the native groups to each other and their shared past. And so, they all win. Just being allowed to watch and cheer raised my own spirits as well.
