Celebration 2022 Native food contest winners announced

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Friday, June 10th, 2022 7:49am

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(Photo couresty of Sealaska Heritage.)

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Sealaska Heritage Institute has announced the winners of its traditional food contests, held as part of Celebration 2022.

The winner of the back seaweed contest is Mike Allard, while Donna James took first place in dry fish, and Sharon Olsen took first place in seal oil.

Olsen says the secret to good seal oil is that she’s tender, patient and picky about her craft, and she is careful to ensure that no blood, hair or fat remain in her prize-winning oil.

“I know I’ve been successful when I can see clearly through the jar,” she said.

Allard said he learned how to prepare black seaweed from his parents and that he made small adjustments.

“My motto is ‘dry with love,” he said.

Winners were announced onstage at Centennial Hall on Thursday afternoon. 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

The winners are as follows:

Back Seaweed Contest

    Mike Allard, first place
    Theresa Wellington, second place
    Christina Weber, third place

Dry Fish

    Donna James, first place
    Kenneth Willard Jr., second place
    Mike Allard, third place

Seal Oil

    Sharon Olsen, first place
    Sally Joseph, second place
    Diane Carrier, third place

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