ISWO Sends Delegation to Alaska for Annual Traditional Games

Press Release

May 1, 2026

ISWO proudly sent a delegation to Juneau, Alaska, to take part in the 2026 Annual Traditional Games, an event that brings together athletes from across Alaska and the North to compete in a series of Arctic sport competitions.

This April, ISWO proudly sent a small but mighty delegation to Juneau, Alaska, to take part in the 2026 Annual Traditional Games, a springtime event that brings athletes together from across Alaska and the North to celebrate culture, community, and competition.

Representing ISWO in Juneau were:

• Carmen, Southwest Regional Coordinator
• Marc, former president and honorary chair of the 2025 Masters Indigenous Games
• Wade, Arctic sports athlete

Together, the trio competed in events that challenge competitors to draw on strength, agility, balance, endurance, and focus.

A Competition Rooted in Tradition and Survival Skills

Hosted each spring in Juneau, the Annual Traditional Games features 12 different games inspired by the hunting and survival skills that Indigenous peoples across the Arctic region have relied on for hundreds of years. While the competition is intense, the atmosphere is one of encouragement and respect. Athletes push for personal bests while supporting one another, regardless of what team they represent.

That spirit—working together toward common goals and learning from the skills and values that helped Indigenous communities survive and thrive in some of the world’s harshest conditions—is at the heart of the Traditional Games.

The Annual Traditional Games are about far more than sport. The event opens with formal ceremonies and weaves cultural displays, songs, and dance throughout, showcasing the powerful impact of uniting athletic competition with cultural celebration.

This year, the program extended beyond Arctic sports to include games from other Indigenous traditions.

On the second day, participants took part in a Māori games segment featuring reverse tag (where everyone is “it” and tries to catch one person). There was also a ring-based challenge requiring players to touch an opponent’s shoulder, knee, and foot without losing their grip on the ring, a test of coordination, agility, and quick thinking.

A Mayan ball game, run by participants from Mexico using traditional balls made with vulcanized rubber, was also part of the program. These additions reflected the event’s growing spirit of cross-cultural exchange and its commitment to honouring Indigenous sport traditions from around the world.

Preparing to Compete

Before the competition began, coach Kyle Kaayák’w Worl ran a practice session on Friday, giving participants the chance to work directly with coaches and organizers. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn the finer points of each event and get a feel for the competition ahead.

The atmosphere throughout was one of genuine camaraderie. “There was a lot of camaraderie. Even though people were going to be competing against each other, there was a broader sense of teamwork, and everyone wanted others to succeed,” said Carmen when asked about his experience.

That sense of collective support carried through every event. “There is so much training that goes into competing in Arctic sports, and so much organization and judges and volunteers to be able to run all of these events, especially since there are a lot of distances to measure and observing for proper form,” Carmen added.

Strong Results in Archery and Inuit Stick Pull

ISWO’s team delivered impressive performances in multiple events, including strong results in archery and Inuit stick pull.

In archery (men’s open division):

• Carmen earned an outstanding 2nd place overall
• Wade finished 4th overall

Wade also placed 4th overall in the Inuit stick pull (men’s open division), continuing to demonstrate the strength, technique, and focus required across Arctic sports disciplines.

A Deeper Connection: Culture, Community, and a Traditional Meal

One of the most meaningful experiences of the trip came through an invitation to a traditional meal featuring raw whale blubber, moose, mountain goat, deer, and fish. More than a shared feast, the gathering brought together all invitees to share why they had come to Juneau. It was an emotional and deeply moving experience to hear each person’s story and the personal significance behind their participation in the Traditional Games.

The delegation also came away with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into making the event possible. Each year, the Traditional Games grow, drawing more participants from beyond the Arctic north, and the dedication of those who organize and sustain it is remarkable.

Building on a Growing Arctic Sports Connection

ISWO’s involvement in Arctic sports began a few years ago after meeting Kyle, who leads the Annual Traditional Games program. That connection has since grown into meaningful collaboration and shared opportunities.

“ISWO has become an important part of the promotion of traditional Indigenous sport in the world through our hosting of MIG and providing assistance to foreign athletes,” said Marc. “Through attendance and support of traditional Indigenous games events in Mexico and Alaska, ISWO is in a position that can make a large contribution to the traditional sport movement.”

Last year, Kyle worked with ISWO to bring Arctic sports to the 2025 Masters Indigenous Games, marking the first time Arctic sports were included in the competitive sport program. It was a milestone moment that helped introduce more athletes and communities to these traditional events and the values they represent.

ILR5