Elena Terry

Wild Bearies - Wisconsin Dells, WI

Elena Terry serves as the Executive Chef and Founder of Wild Bearies, a community-based nonprofit and educational outreach organization. In her role as a seed-to-table chef, Terry fosters relationships with tribal and community growers and producers. Inspired by the food sovereignty movement, she initiated the “Honoring our Farmers, Foragers, Growers, and Producers Tour,” forging partnerships with the American Indian Foods program and the Intertribal Agriculture Council along the way.

Terry’s advocacy spans the Americas, where she champions sustainable cultivation practices and responsible foraging.

Additionally, Terry collaborates with organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Smithsonian, and the University of Wisconsin to develop cultural food history and advocate for truth and reconciliation. She spearheaded the international Indigenous Culinary Mentorship program for the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance, advocating for equity and inclusion of Indigenous chefs.

With expertise as a butcher and wild game specialist, Elena Terry loves open-fire cooking.