Registration open for 2026 Traditional Games
Athletes, volunteers and games officials invited to sign up, compete for ninth annual competition
Jan. 27, 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 Traditional Games, scheduled for April 10-12 at Yaada.at Kalé (Juneau-Douglas High School). This annual event, co-hosted by Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) and Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (T&H) in partnership with the Juneau School District, celebrates Alaska Native cultural heritage and survival skills through ancient sports that test strength, agility, balance, endurance and focus.
The competition features three divisions: Middle School (6th-8th grade), High School (9th-12th grade) and an Open Division for adults and college athletes. Athletes will compete in 12 events rooted in hunting and survival techniques that have sustained Indigenous peoples for centuries.
This year’s ninth annual games will feature international special guests from New Zealand and Mexico on Friday, and several teams from across Southeast Alaska, from Yakutat to Metlakatla. Teams from the Lower 48, including the Washington and Seattle area, college teams and an Eastern Canadian team from Labrador will also participate.
A college and career fair and art market are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Events include:
- Wrist Carry, representing the significance of a successful hunt and traditionally tests the strength and endurance of hunters, while showing appreciation for the animal giving itself.
- One-Foot-High Kick, historically used to signal successful hunts.
- Scissor Broad Jump, traditionally used to practice balance needed when jumping on ice floes and to keep warm.
Other events include the Seal Hop, Kneel Jump, Inuit Stick Pull, Two-Foot-High Kick, Alaskan High Kick and Dené Stick Pull.
Traditional Games embody values of community and mutual support, celebrating skills that allowed Indigenous peoples to thrive in challenging environments. Events will be livestreamed on the Traditional Games website on Saturday and Sunday.
This event is sponsored by SHI, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida), Sealaska, University of Alaska Southeast, Select Physical Therapy and the Juneau School District.
To register as an athlete, volunteer or games official, visit traditionalgames.sealaskaheritage.org. For more information, contact Kyle Kaayák’w Worl at kworl@tlingitandhaida.gov.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee and a newly formed Education Committee.
CONTACT: Therese Pokorney, SHI Communications Officer, therese.pokorney@sealaska.com