Aang aang, Qaadax̂ Chloe Bourdukofsky-Price asax̂takuqing.
Tanax̂-Amiĝim ilaan aqax̂takuqing. Dena’inam tanangin ilan tanaĝikuqing. Unaaĝim Unangaa akuqing. Unangam masuqagii akuqing.
Qaadax̂ Chloe Bourdukofsky-Price, an Unangax̂ artist from the Pribilof Islands, celebrates our heritage through art. From teaching traditional crafts, dance, and Unangam Tunuu, to creating original pieces that reflect her upbringing, Qaadax̂ is devoted to preserving and sharing our traditions through her work.
Qaadax̂ credits her early years with her community Elders, especially her late great-grandmother, Stupaaram Anaadaa Mary Bourdukofsky.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by Unangax̂ artists and Elders who fluently spoke Unangam Tunuu. Stupaaram Anaadaa’s [Mary Bourdukofsky] use of materials like laaqudam chuqaa (northern fur seal throat) in baskets, medicine bags, and earrings, inspired me. Just being around that was very influential,” she says.
“Looking back, our ancestors made so many beautiful things with the same materials I’m using today. And now many Unangax̂ artists are doing the same!”
Qaadax̂ remembers her first creations—small medicine pouches and ornaments made in after-school programs, gifts for family members. As her interest grew, so did her skill.
“When I was 12, I started making earrings to give to my family,” she remembers. And by 2019, Qaadax̂ Studio appeared on social media to share Unangax̂ art with the online community.
Qaadax̂ Studio’s first in-person event was at Anchorage’s 2021 Fur Rondy market, where she received an enthusiastic reception. She saw further success later the same year at the 2021 AFN Arts and Crafts Show.
“People would say, ‘I’d buy these, I’ve never seen anything like your work before!’ and I was like, ‘Really?’ That support from community members of me and my mission inspired me to keep going.”
Qaadax̂ Studio also extends beyond art and aesthetics, connecting with people from around the world. “Through social media, I’ve reached our people across the U.S. and even as far as Australia,” Qaadax̂ shared. “They tell me my art reconnects them to our heritage. That’s when I am reminded why I do this—it brings our community, both near and far, closer to our roots.”
She believes in the importance of representation for Alaska Native artists online. Through her art, she’s inspired people to engage with and learn about our culture, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond her studio.
“Social media is an important tool for Alaska Native artists. Showing your art online brings more community members into the art community, which is essential to sharing our culture.”
Through social media, Qaadax̂ Studio has fostered life-long friendships built on mutual support, sharing, and kindness, creating a network of meaningful connections rooted in reciprocity. Chloe’s work is grounded in traditional Unangax̂ art and is influenced by the natural beauty of our tanax̂ (land) and Unangam Kadaangingis (W. Unangax̂ ancestors). Her designs incorporate symbols found in regalia and basketry, using earth-toned colors found across our islands.
“I try to connect more with the tanax̂ when I’m creating my art… even just going to touch some grass helps me,” she explains. “It brings peace and helps me stay connected with our ancestors.”
For Qaadax̂, creating each piece is a sacred practice and ritual. She approaches the materials with respect, as energy from that moment goes into every creation. To honor our ancestors, each piece is always made with a clear mind and an open heart, ensuring the materials are treated with the love and care they deserve.
A highlight for Qaadax̂ was her time in Iluulux̂ (Unalaska) in 2023, where she studied artifacts and recordings at the Museum of the Aleutians, and created seven pieces inspired by our lands and her findings. Using materials like seal gut, abalone, and freshwater pearls, she crafted earrings that tell a story of connection and resilience.
“I was surrounded by inspiration from our artifacts while at the Museum of the Aleutians… being on our tanax̂ brought out amazing things in my art.”
Teaching is a part of Chloe’s journey, and she’s passionate about passing down our knowledge to the next generation. Recently, Qaadax̂ was invited as a panelist at RES 2025, where she will share her experiences and insights as a Unangax̂ artist.
Qaadax̂ continues to be inspired by our heritage, ancestors, and her mentors, including local artists like her neighbor Alvin Amason, and the collective Alutiiq Angels, all well-known Sugpiaq artists. She encourages youth to explore their creative potential and promote other creatives in our community. “Being immersed in our community brings so many ideas to life. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and materials—just ask!” she advised.
As Qaadax̂ reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community support.
“Sewing and beading are precious, traditional practices passed on from our ancestors. I think good advice for young artists is: don’t rush your journey, and always put good energy and authenticity into your work.”
Qaadax̂ believes in the power of continuous creation and community support, qualities she sees that will guide the next generations of Unangax̂ artists. As Qaadax̂ looks forward, her goals are clear: teaching and mentoring the next generation of Unangax̂ artists, celebrating and honoring our traditions and ancestors through her art, and representing Unangax̂ art and culture on a broader stage. As an artist and educator, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and skills with others.
At Aleut, we’re honored to support Chloe on this journey, knowing that her work will continue to inspire and uplift our people for years to come. You can view Chloe’s work on her Instagram here.
