- Details
- By Kaili Berg
A pair of Inupiaq brothers from Nome, Alaska, Oliver and Wilson Hoogendorn, have won a grand prize of $500,000 in the first season of a national reality TV show series competition called “Race to Survive: Alaska."
The episode aired on USA Network on Monday, June 5. The show kicked off in April showcasing eight different two-person teams and six races that took place across uncharted terrain in Ketchikan, Kodiak, and Cordova, Alaska. The brothers competed over the summer across the 50-day survival course, traversing more than 100 miles and ultimately became the first winners of the show.
The brothers faced tremendous challenges, including terrain and wilderness, but preserved and brought the win home to Nome, where they were born and raised. Teams were only allowed to use what they could carry on their back and used their wilderness skills to make it through the race.
Oliver works as a commercial fisherman and Wilson works as a gold diver. The two were the first Native Alaskan team to summit Denali in 13 days and skied down the highest peak in North America in one day. They have honed their wilderness skills their whole lives hunting moose, seals, and whales using traditional indigenous methods.
In an interview with TV Insider, the brothers said they plan to use their winnings to give back to the Nome community — providing lumber, uniforms for the cross-country team, as well as building houses and donating to a food bank.
More Stories Like This
‘Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher’ Now Featured on Peacock"Sitting Bull" Documentary to Air May 27 & 28 on HISTORY Channel
Cheyenne River Youth Project Will Host 11th Annual RedCan Invitational Graffiti Jam on July 9-12
The Autry Museum of the American West 34th Annual American Indian Arts Festival
Q&A with Gary Pitchlynn, Attorney Who Tells True Story about the Girl Scout Murders
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
