Ancient Skills, Modern Athletes: Juneau's Traditional Games Return April 10–12

Caption: Dozens of people participate in a blanket toss during the 2025 Traditional Games. Photo by Brian Wallace, courtesy of SHI.

April 10–12, 2026 | Yaada.at Kalé (Juneau-Douglas High School) | Free & Open to the Public

If you're in Juneau on the second weekend of April or if you’ve been thinking of coming to visit, circle this on your calendar. The ninth annual Traditional Games return April 10–12, and they're one of the most genuinely unique events in Southeast Alaska.

These aren't novelty sports.  Rooted in actual Indigenous survival and hunting skills, these sports call back to the skills needed to survive in some of the most difficult environments on earth. Each of the 12 events in the competition serve historical purposes like: the Seal Hop which mimics the silent movements of a hunter approaching prey; the Kneel Jump that strengthens legs to jump from ice floe to ice floe.  

"It's important that these games are passed on today as they have been from generation to generation," said Kyle Kaayák'w Worl of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. "Our own traditional sports have just as much value as any other sport."

Success doesn’t lie in the victory over another, but rather it is measured by personal improvement. Athletes come from around Southeast Alaska, Canada, and the Lower 48.

Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska are co-hosting the games in partnership with the Juneau School District. For the full schedule and game descriptions (including video tutorials), visit traditionalgames.sealaskaheritage.org.