Native Youth Olympics coming to PhinneyWood

by | Aug 30, 2024

‘Tseen, a local Indigenous run small business, is bringing Native Youth Olympics, traditional arctic sports to Seattle. These traditional games consist of 12 different events that test skills of strength, agility, balance, endurance and focus. These games are based on hunting and survival skills of the Indigenous people of Alaska and across the North going back hundreds of years. 

Athletes strive to perform at their personal best while helping and supporting their fellow competitors, no matter what team. This is the spirit of the games, to work together toward common goals and learn from the skills and values that allowed Alaska Native people to survive and thrive in some of the harshest conditions.

Practices are free and open to all youth 6-17. Under 5 are welcome if an adult attends. Practices will be hosted at Greenwood Senior Center and North Seattle College throughout the fall. No experience necessary. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water.

Greenwood Senior Center
Dates: August 31, September 28, November 16 and December 14
Time: 10-11:30 am
Address: 525 N 85th St., Seattle

North Seattle College – Ray Flores Wellness Center
Dates: September 14 and October 12
Time: 9:30-11 am
Address: 9600 College Way N., Seattle

‘Tseen’s goal is to provide a free, safe space for Indigenous youth to interact with traditional culture but NYO is open to all youth, no matter of ethnicity or race. It is a great way for non-indigenous people to interact with Alaska Native culture as it continues to exist today. 

NYO: Team Seattle is building a group of athletes that will compete at competitions, located in Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska. This past April, with the help of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, ‘Tseen sent three Seattle teenagers to compete at the Traditional Games in Juneau, Alaska. They are hoping to grow the team for April 2025.

Funding provided by City of Seattle – Get Moving Grant, Phinney Neighborhood Association and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian tribes of Alaska.

For additional information or questions please email [email protected]

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