By Crystal Frank-Welker, a NVVTG tribal member, PhD student and lives in Arctic Village with her husband.“Diidrii haa Tr’aagal” translates to “Running with Our Hearts,” reflecting the spirit of the event and the many loved ones honored along the course.
On the morning of July 5, 2026, the weather was a high seventy degrees, sunshine, clear skies, mosquitoes buzzing, and the community of Vashraii K’oo (Arctic Village, AK) gathered for the 3rd Annual John Fredson Day 5K/10K Run/Walk, a wellness and healing event centered on community, remembrance, and resilience. This year’s theme, Nako’ Nint’aii Gwanah’ii—“Keep Your Fire Strong” — served as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to overcome challenges and reclaim wellness on our own terms.
John “Zhoh Gwatsan” Fredson is remembered as a leader, educator, and advocate for the Gwich’in people. He is remembered for helping secure Federal recognition for the Venetie Indian Reserve in 1941, now known as the Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government. As a young man, Fredson participated in Hudson Stuck’s expedition to climb Mt. Denali, where he cared for the base camp by hunting sheep and taking care of the sled dogs, while Stuck and his team made their historic ascent. Fredson later became the first Alaska Native – Gwich’in to graduate from college at the University of the South Sewanee. Returning home to Alaska, Fredson dedicated his life to serving his people as a hospital worker, a teacher, a tribal leader, and a Chief of Venetie. He was married to Jean Frank. Today, his legacy lives on through the communities he helped strengthen and through gatherings that celebrate Gwich’in resilience and well-being.
Participants of all ages laced up their shoes and ran or walked in honor of loved ones, carrying memories, stories, healing, and prayers with them along the course. The event was filled with excitement and celebration, but it also created space for reflection on the importance of caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With every mile, runners and walkers demonstrated that wellness is deeply connected to community, way of life, and the people we hold close in our hearts.
As participants crossed the finish line, Traditional Chief and Elder Dr. Rev. Trimble Gilbert and his wife, Mary Gilbert, welcomed them with medals and words of encouragement. There were smiles, laughter, and an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment in the air. Their presence highlighted the intergenerational spirit of the event and the role that Elders continue to play in guiding and strengthening the community.
Following the race, participants of all ages and spectators gathered to share a meal generously provided by Dishii, a Fairbanks-based catering company. Odin and his wife, Joana, prepared a delicious meal that included Pico De Gallo, quesadillas, pulled pork, and fresh guacamole, a special welcoming meal after the morning run.
Odin, having roots in Vashraii K’oo, reflected on his return visit home to cook for his community: “I think being of service to our people is something that is really important. I’m not sure if volunteering is something that even crosses our minds as Gwich’in. We love our people and care for them. Being of service to our Tribe is something that really lifts everyone’s spirits, including our own.”
The event was made possible through the support of many organizations and sponsors, including Frosty Feet Running Company, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Wright Air Service, Dishii, The North Face, Arctic Village Council, and the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition. Their contributions helped create a meaningful gathering focused on health, healing, and community connection. Together, they helped create a space where Vashraii K’oo community members could celebrate wellness, remember loved ones, and honor the remarkable legacy and life of John Fredson. A big mahsi’ choo (thank you) to our sponsors.
This year marked the largest turnout with 35 total participants. For the first time, a 10k race was added, with 8 runners stepping up to the challenge. Visitor and friend Stacy Fisk reflected on the growth of the event and what it means to the community: “It is great to see individuals getting out and participating. It means a lot to me, I look forward to the event every year.”
For many participants, the race represented not only physical activity, but also personal goals and transformation. Donald Tritt shared: “After 10 years away from long distance running, it felt really great to get out there for a running event. I’ve been losing weight all summer and can’t wait until next year. I’ll come back in better shape. Thank you to Crystal and Princess for putting on a great event.”
Participant Jennifer Hanson reflected on her goals and accomplishments: “I was telling myself a month before July 5th’s 5k/10k walk/run I am going to enter this and walk the 10k. When the day came, I was prepared, neck fan, sun visor, and my excitement to actually be involved in a village event. So many entered. It was an exciting day. To complete the 10k in 1.5 hours was an accomplishment that made me feel proud of my heritage, to be in recovery, to be thriving in sobriety. Since then, I am becoming my bubbly kind helpful self. Thank you to those who sponsored the walk/run.”
Others reflected on the ways that movement and wellness extended across generations. Jordan Felix spoke about the importance of setting an example for his children: “Being active helps me to keep up with my kids. I’d like to show them the competitiveness and to put your mind to something and tell yourself that you can do it.”
First Chief Galen Gilbert reflected on the broader impact the event has on Vashraii K’oo: “Since starting the John Fredson running race, I’ve noticed that we have more people participating and even training for this event. Continuing celebrating after July 4th has everybody looking forward to having a two-day holiday with new visitors and good food. The race really cleanses the soul, going for a run and also people running and walking for a really good reason. It’s very healing to our people. It’s amazing what a good run can do to your soul. It gives you a good boost in your life that you accomplished something that you never thought you were capable of.”
Event coordinator Princess Johnson, reflected on what this race means to her: “The John Fredson Day run is something I look forward to every year. Seeing everyone out either running or walking and encouraging one another is a way not only to honor and remember the life of Zhoh Gwatsan, but to honor the spirit of our homelands and the work that has been done by our community to protect the Gwich’in way of life.”
Event coordinator Crystal Frank-Welker, who founded the race in 2024, reflected on the importance of the event: “This event is one of my most favorite events of the year. I started this race in 2024. My vision was to get my community excited about running and to honor our ancestor, John Fredson. Running is my medicine, and I want to share that with my community. It’s crucial that we care for our wellness and mental well-being. This event helps us to reconnect with ourselves and to allow the land to heal us.”
The John Fredson Day 5K/10K has become more than a race. It is a celebration of resilience, an opportunity to honor loved ones and ancestors, and a reminder that healing can take many forms. As the race continues to grow each year, it remains rooted in our Gwich’in values: keep your fire strong for ourselves, our families, our communities, and future generations.