Forever Ago® Podcast Summary: "The Native Youth Olympics"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Forever Ago®
- Host/Author: American Public Media
- Description: Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode explores the surprising and fascinating history of ordinary things, transforming learning about the past into a fun and critical-thinking experience.
- Episode: The Native Youth Olympics
- Release Date: April 23, 2025
Introduction to the Native Youth Olympics
In the episode titled "The Native Youth Olympics," hosts Joy Dolo and Ali delve into an annual sporting event that celebrates traditional Alaska Native skills. The Native Youth Olympics (NYO) is a unique competition where hundreds of students from across Alaska come together to engage in games that honor the cultural heritage and survival skills of Alaska Native communities.
Joy Dolo introduces the topic enthusiastically:
"So today we're talking about a special sporting event that happens every year in Alaska." [02:42]
Ali adds context by explaining the inclusive nature of the games:
"Any student can compete in the Native Youth Olympics. Native or non native." [03:10]
Historical Context and Origins
The Native Youth Olympics has its roots in traditional Alaska Native practices, designed to test and enhance skills essential for survival in Alaska's harsh climate. These games not only focus on physical prowess but also emphasize mental strength and community support.
Joy provides historical background:
"Before Western or Eastern society moved into Alaska or just into the north. You had to survive off of the land..." [21:20]
Nicole Johnson, the head official and instructor at NYO, elaborates on the traditional aspects:
"These are games that have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years." [21:01]
Evolution of the Games
Initially, Alaska Native children faced significant challenges in maintaining their cultural practices due to enforced assimilation policies. In the early 1900s, many Native students were sent to boarding schools across the United States, cutting them off from their heritage. It wasn't until the 1960s that a new approach was adopted, where students from remote villages were sent to larger cities within Alaska to attend high school while living with host families.
Joy Dolo narrates this shift:
"Fast forward mid-1960s, officials in Alaska were still trying to figure out how to educate Native students in remote villages. And they decided to try something new." [10:08]
However, living with predominantly white families posed its own set of challenges, leading to a cultural disconnect for many Native students. This separation sparked the desire among Native youth to reconnect with their traditions, culminating in the creation of the Native Youth Olympics.
The Birth of the Native Youth Olympics
The NYO was officially founded in 1971, inspired by a group of Alaska Native students who wanted to celebrate their cultural heritage through traditional games. The first event saw dozens of students from 12 schools congregate in a gymnasium in Anchorage, marking the beginning of what would become a cherished annual tradition.
Ali recounts the inception:
"The first official Native Youth Olympics. The year was 1971." [20:32]
This initiative provided a platform for Native youth to engage in traditional sports, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride that had been eroded by previous assimilation efforts.
Traditional Games and Their Significance
The Native Youth Olympics features a variety of games, each rooted in traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. These games are not only athletic competitions but also a means to preserve and teach essential survival skills.
Inuit Stickpole
A popular game where two participants sit facing each other with their feet pressed together, holding their hips and feet in place. A stick is placed between them, and the objective is to pull the stick away from the opponent, simulating the strength required to pull seals from icy waters.
Ali explains:
"This game builds the same strength that native hunters use to pull seals out of the water and onto the ice." [22:38]
One Foot High Kick
A game where participants jump and kick a ball hanging from a string with one foot, aiming to achieve the highest kick while landing on the same foot used to kick. This sport initially served as a communication method among hunters, signaling a successful hunt across vast tundras.
Ali shares his personal experience:
"It's more of a way of to show how you compete. And it's not really that you're competing against other players. You're competing against yourself." [25:26]
Cultural Impact and Community Building
The Native Youth Olympics go beyond mere competition; they are a celebration of Alaska Native culture and a tool for community building. The games encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and mutual support among participants, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cultural identity.
Nicole Johnson emphasizes:
"Today, when we play these games, we pass on that sense of community and encouragement to one another." [24:48]
Ali reflects on the supportive nature of the NYO:
"It's more open of mistakes, unlike from, like hockey, when they get so mad... you're rooting for everyone." [25:26]
This inclusive environment contrasts sharply with more competitive sports, highlighting the unique ethos of the Native Youth Olympics where personal growth and communal support take precedence over rivalries.
Personal Stories and Experiences
Throughout the episode, Ali shares his own journey with the Native Youth Olympics, highlighting memorable moments and the personal growth he experienced through participation.
Ali recounts a significant achievement:
"It was me and the other kid and we were kicking for first place. And then the moment when I hit it, I felt so happy. Cause I got first. We tied for first." [05:58]
He also discusses the techniques involved in events like the One Foot High Kick, demonstrating the blend of traditional practices and modern athletic training.
Joy Dolo expresses admiration:
"That's really impressive though. I bet you they're really proud of you, huh?" [07:07]
Modern-Day Relevance and Growth
Since its inception, the Native Youth Olympics has grown exponentially, now involving over 500 students annually. The games have been integrated into school curriculums across Alaska, ensuring that traditional sports remain a vital part of Alaska Native education and community life.
Joy Dolo notes the expansion:
"Since the first Native Youth Olympics in 1971, the Games have grown bigger and bigger, drawing more and more people every year." [24:21]
The NYO continues to evolve, incorporating new games and expanding its reach, all while maintaining the core values of cultural preservation and community support.
Conclusion and Reflection
The episode concludes by reiterating the importance of the Native Youth Olympics in preserving Alaska Native traditions and fostering a strong, supportive community among youth. Hosts Joy and Ali encourage listeners to learn more about the NYO and celebrate similar cultural practices in their own communities.
Joy Dolo wraps up:
"The Native Youth Olympics continue to grow in popularity, and community and sportsmanship remain at the center of the Games." [27:35]
Listeners are invited to explore additional resources and engage with the NYO through provided show notes, further emphasizing the podcast's mission to make history both engaging and educational.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Joy Dolo:
"Did you know in ancient Egypt, they played a game like hockey with sticks made out of palm tree branches?" [01:07]
"These are games that have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years." [21:01]
"It's more open of mistakes, unlike from, like hockey, when they get so mad..." [25:26] -
Ali:
"We should do a whole episode about the Native Youth Olympics." [02:00]
"It was me and the other kid and we were kicking for first place..." [05:58]
"Games like the Inuit stick, pole and one foot high kick have been passed down from generation to generation." [24:16] -
Nicole Johnson:
"Before Western or Eastern society moved into Alaska or just into the north... so they created games to test the strengths of our people physically and mentally." [21:26]
"Today, when we play these games, we pass on that sense of community and encouragement to one another." [24:48]
Credits
Written by: Ruby Guthrie and Shayla Farzon
Produced and Fact-Checked by: Nico Gonzalez Whistler
Edited by: Sandon Totten
Engineering and Sound Design: Alex Simpson, Derek Hawkis, Rachel Breese
Original Theme Music: Mark Sanchez
Additional Production: Brains on Universe Team
Executive Producer: Beth Pearlman
Executives in Charge of APM Studios: Chandra Kavadi and Joanne Griffith
Special Thanks to: Dr. Maria Williams, Kyle Wuerl, Nicole Johnson, Lauren and Philip Blanchett
Note: For listeners interested in exploring more about the Native Youth Olympics or watching event videos, links are available in the show notes. Additionally, the episode concludes with a fun trivia segment revealing the chronological order of popular children's books, engaging the audience in interactive learning.