Anchorage hosts the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO) for the first time in the event’s 46-year history beginning this week. The four-day competition features games based on ancestral hunting and survival techniques and focuses on a contestant’s strength, agility, endurance and sheer power of will; honoring skills that are still used and prized by Alaska’s vibrant Native culture. Hundreds of Native peoples from circumpolar regions around the globe participate in this one-of-a kind event.
How have the games changed in nearly 50 years and how will they look in the future? We talk with WEIO participants and take your live calls, e-mails and web comments.
HOST: Lori Townsend, APRN
GUESTS:
- Phillip Blanchett, member of Pamyua and a 14-year WEIO participant
- Mary Sage, WEIO Board Member, (Barrow, AK)
- Russell Snyder, WEIO Board Member and Vice Chair (North Pole, AK)
LIVE BROADCAST: Tue, Jul 17 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations across Alaska
PARTICIPATE:
- Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast
- Send e-mail to talk@aprn.org before, during or after the live broadcast (e-mails may be read on air)
- Post your comment or question below (comments may be read on air)
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