Pavala displays great balance during the One-hand Reach. For this event, competitors must balance on either the palm or knuckles of one hand, while reaching out to touch the suspended ball with their free hand, then bring the free hand to the floor with only their hands touching the floor. Photo by Justin Cox.
Traditional Games has a long history in Alaska and at UAA. Native Student Services — shortened to NSS — has supported students wanting to continue or learn the Traditional Games events at UAA by acquiring equipment and working with partners to send a team to compete at the Traditional Games competition in Juneau.
In fall 2023, more students met through NSS and decided to create the Traditional Games Club to continue the games more formally, allowing them to fundraise and travel to more competitions as a team. The games represent hunting and survival skills that have been vital to Indigenous peoples across the North for thousands of years. Unlike other sports, Traditional Games is focuses on teamwork and supporting each other to reach personal goals, even across teams.
The Traditional Games Club had its first event on Nov. 2 at Alaska Pacific University, and their next event is Dec. 13-14 at the West High School Traditional Games event.
A sealskin ball called an aqsraaq, used in the Traditional Games, hangs in front of the Seawolves logo. Photo by Justin Cox.
Braeden John practices the One-foot High Kick. The athletes must jump, kick the ball with one foot, then land on the kicking foot and maintain their balance. This was traditionally performed with a bell to signal a successful small game hunt in the summer. Photo by Justin Cox.
Melvin Pavala demonstrates the Two-foot High Kick. The athletes must kick the ball using both feet, then land without falling backward. This was originally performed with a bell to signal the success of a whale hunt in the spring. Photo by Justin Cox.
Holly Davis performs the Alaskan High Kick. This event requires the athlete to balance on a single foot while holding the other foot with the opposite hand, then kick the ball, and land on the kicking foot and maintain their balance. Photo by Justin Cox.
Sam “Sivulaq” Mecham performing the One-foot High Kick. Photo by Justin Cox.
Jade Wren performs the Scissor Broad Jump. This event requires participants to take four specific hops before a final jump, where they must land on both feet, and the final distance is measured. The Scissor Broad Jump was traditionally used to practice the necessary balance for moving along ice flows and to keep warm. Photo by Justin Cox.
Justin “Atsaq” Olsen kicks at a sealskin ball during the Two-foot High Kick. Photo by Justin Cox.
Olsen performs the Two-foot High Kick. Photo by Justin Cox.
Jonathan Wassily practices his One-foot High Kick. Photo by Justin Cox.
Members of the Traditional Games Club measure the height of the ball used in the One-foot High Kick. Photo by Justin Cox.
Members of the Traditional Games Club pose for a photo. From left to right: Olsen, Mecham, Wassily, Pavala, John, Wren, Eden Hopson and Davis. Photo by Justin Cox.
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