27 Jan Junior NYO Games 2025 Updates
Big news: 7th and 8th grade join the fun, plus new names for Stick Pull events
Hard to believe, but NYO Games 2025 are right around the corner—starting with Junior NYO, February 28 – March 2.
This year, we’ve got big news around the Junior games! For the very first time, 7th and 8th grade students will join grades 1 – 6 for all three days of competition. Students in 7th and 8th grade will be able to compete in all events.
Next up: The events formerly known as “Eskimo Stick Pull” and “Indian Stick Pull” are being renamed to better reflect the cultural influences that brought us these traditional games. Eskimo Stick Pull has been renamed Inuit Stick Pull. The event was traditionally used as practice for pulling seals from the ice.
Meanwhile, Indian Stick Pull will be known as Dene Stick Pull going forward. This event represents grabbing a slippery salmon, and was used traditionally to develop hand and arm strength. Dene/Indian Stick Pull is played only at the Senior NYO Games.
“The name changes align with the Indigenous groups from which these games originated: the Inuit and Dene peoples,” said NYO Head Official Nicole Johnson. “This reflects a broader movement toward recognizing and honoring Indigenous communities and ensuring their cultural traditions are properly represented.”
Plan your Junior NYO with the schedule of events! Learn more about the 2025 NYO Games at nyogames.com.
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