Native food contest winners announced at Celebration 2026
June 6, 2026
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has announced the winners of its popular traditional food contests, held as part of Celebration 2026. The winners are as follows:
Seal Oil
- Wendy Todd
- Joni Roberts
- David Hotch
Dry Fish
- Sally Joseph
- Mike Allard
- Donna James
Seaweed
- Christina Webber
- Sally Joseph
- Naomi Leask
The entries were judged by Joe Zuboff, Jodi Mitchell and Nicole Anderson.
Two judges gave Joseph top points for the “nice, smoky taste and soft and pliable texture” she achieved with her dry fish. Another enjoyed the sweet taste and great texture.
Todd won the judges over with her seal oil’s light, good flavor and color, with one noting the subtle but pleasant flavor.
The institute sponsors the contests to introduce young people to traditional Native foods and to highlight the health benefits of traditional Native cuisine. Names of contestants were kept secret from the judges prior to the judging.
Celebration is a major, four-day event organized by Sealaska Heritage every two years. First held in 1982, it has become the one of the largest events in the state, drawing thousands of people to the capital.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee and an Education Committee.
CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com.
Caption: Judges Jodi Mitchell and Nicole Anderson evaluating dry fish submitted by applicants at SHI’s Native food contest held during Celebration 2026. Note: Media outlets are welcome to use this photo for coverage of this story. For a higher resolution image, contact kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com