April 16-18, 2026 | Alaska Airlines Center, UAA Campus
Free Admission | Open to public
Daily Alaska Native Dance Performances
500+ Student Athletes from across Alaska

Experience Alaska's rich indigenous heritage at the NYO Games, where traditional athletic competitions meet cultural celebration. This statewide championship brings together over 500 Alaska Native student athletes from more than 100 communities to compete in games that have tested strength, endurance, and survival skills for thousands of years.

Watch athletes demonstrate remarkable feats including the Four-Man Carry, where competitors lift and carry four people at once simulating heavy hunting packs; the Kneel Jump, requiring explosive power to leap from a kneeling position; and the mesmerizing Alaskan High Kick, one of the most photographed events showcasing incredible balance and flexibility. Other traditional contests include the Scissor Broad Jump, Seal Hop, and various stick pull events—each rooted in the hunting and survival traditions of Alaska's indigenous peoples.

The three-day competition features Alaska Native dance performances twice daily, creating an immersive cultural experience beyond the athletic competitions. More than 5,000 spectators typically attend, making it a significant cultural gathering comparable to a mini Alaska Federation of Natives convention. The games serve dual purposes: celebrating athletic excellence while preserving and teaching indigenous traditions to new generations.

Founded in 1971, the NYO Games began as an educational tool to help young Alaska Natives connect with their heritage. These aren't just sporting events—they're living lessons in the skills that enabled survival in Alaska's challenging environment for countless generations. Every competition demonstrates the balance of individual strength and community cooperation essential to traditional Alaska Native life.

The Alaska Airlines Center provides an excellent viewing experience with ample seating and clear sightlines to the competition floor. Free parking is available on the UAA campus, and the venue is accessible via public transit. Nearby dining options in midtown Anchorage make it easy to plan a full day around this unique cultural celebration.