UAA Alaska Traditional Kitchen

f Alaska Native elders. To ensure that the project is grounded in Alaska Native culture, it was essential that an Alaska Native chef be a part of this vision, and Chef Flora Deacon was chosen as the culinary and traditional foods expert. Flora is a skilled chef and a respected member of the Alaska Native community, and she provides valuable insight and instruction on traditional food preparation, as well as personal stories about each traditional food. In 2024, the University of Alaska Anchorage's Dietetics and Nutrition department took over the project, recognizing its importance in promoting traditional foods, health, and wellness throughout Alaska Native communities. Assistant Professor Melissa Chlupach was appointed as the project manager for the kitchen. Melissa is a registered dietitian with a passion for Alaska Native traditional foods, nutrition, and health, and she is dedicated to bringing people together to share and learn from each other. Her primary goal is to promote traditional foods and their health benefits while preserving the cultural heritage of Alaska Native communities.