SAGA
SAGA 7ABCs

Seasonal Rhythms

The Wheel of the Year

SAGA's activities follow the rhythm of the year, honoring the seasonal patterns that Indigenous communities have observed for millennia.

We are currently in

NYO Season

The season of Alaska Native youth athletics. Junior and Senior Native Youth Olympics bring together hundreds of athletes competing in 11 traditional games that test strength, endurance, balance, and cultural connection. The arctic air carries the spirit of competition.

The Wheel

Makahiki
NYO Season
Spring Growth
Summer Gathering
Autumn Harvest
Sail the 7ABCs
Today

Nov → Feb → Apr → Jun → Aug → Nov

The Five Seasons

Makahiki

November - February

The Hawaiian season of peace, harvest, and games. Named for the god Lono, Makahiki was a time when warfare ceased and communities gathered for athletic competition, feasting, and celebration. SAGA honors this tradition as our season of renewal and gratitude.

Games

ʻUlu Maika Haka Moa Kōnane Heihei Waʻa Mokomoko Uma Kukini Pahee

Elements

Water Earth
Current Season

NYO Season

February - April

The season of Alaska Native youth athletics. Junior and Senior Native Youth Olympics bring together hundreds of athletes competing in 11 traditional games that test strength, endurance, balance, and cultural connection. The arctic air carries the spirit of competition.

Games

One-Foot High Kick Two-Foot High Kick Alaska High Kick Kneel Jump Scissor Broad Jump One-Hand Reach Wrist Carry Eskimo Stick Pull Indian Stick Pull Seal Hop Toe Kick

Elements

Air Fire

Spring Growth

April - June

The season of new growth. Seeds planted during Makahiki and NYO seasons begin to sprout. New athletes join the fleet, communities expand their gardens, and the Study Cooperative launches fresh curriculum. The vernal equinox marks the turning point.

Games

Slahal (Stick Games) HalfBall Spring League Community Garden Games

Elements

Earth Ether

Summer Gathering

June - August

The season of convergence. World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks, summer leagues across the network, and the longest days of the year. Communities host visitors, reciprocity exchanges peak, and the fleet sails together under the midnight sun.

Games

WEIO Events HalfBall Summer Championship Canoe Racing Track & Field

Elements

Fire Chaos

Autumn Harvest

September - November

The season of preparation. Communities harvest the year's learning, document their stories, and prepare for the Makahiki season ahead. The autumnal equinox signals the turn inward. SAGA's annual gathering reviews progress on the 2042 vision.

Games

Fall Leagues Community Exhibitions Cultural Festivals

Elements

Order Coin

Astronomical Markers

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Vernal Equinox

~March 20

Balance of light and dark — transition from NYO to Spring Growth

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Summer Solstice

~June 21

Longest day — peak of Summer Gathering season

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Autumnal Equinox

~September 22

Balance returns — transition to Autumn Harvest

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Winter Solstice

~December 21

Longest night — deep in Makahiki season, time of reflection

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Pleiades Rising

~November 15

Marks the traditional opening of Makahiki season in Hawaiian tradition

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The Garu companion lifecycle follows these seasonal rhythms. Eggs incubated during one season carry the energy of that time into the next.