Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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Alaska Native GovernanceBachelor of Arts

Overview

Examine Alaskan Native tribal, village, corporate, and regional governance systems – with their distinct and overlapping concerns

Develop leadership within Alaska to sustain Alaska Native peoples, communities, and governing entities

Explore strategies to evaluate, advance, and reform policies affecting Alaska and the Arctic

Degree Fit

Alaska Native Governance StudentThe Alaska Native Governance (ANGov) program is meant for future leaders of Alaska. Your study begins with seminars focusing on Alaska Native cultures, histories, and the various governance systems through which Alaska Native experiences are shaped. ANGov courses expand on your knowledge of Alaska Native rights and governing responsibilities. During the program you combine intensive study with meaningful internships, graduating with professional skills and problem-solving capabilities to better serve Alaska Native communities.

Career Outcomes

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Combining a solution-based education with purposeful career development, ANGov students:

  • Research historical and contemporary concepts of tribal government
  • Review how notions of tribal, regional, and corporate governance developed for Alaska Native peoples before and after ANCSA
  • Understand traditional ways of knowing, and the importance of including traditional knowledge in public policy
  • Analyze corporate governance for issues of accountability and sustainability
  • Develop leadership skills that honor traditional Alaska Native ways of knowing and realize corporate responsibility

Degree Roadmap

Alaska Native Governance Systems
Survey the distinct and overlapping governance systems that shape Alaska Native experience in the contemporary world. Students look back to various traditional governing systems to understand how Native peoples in Alaska governed themselves prior to Western contact, and how those governing systems are realized today. The course also includes an overview of village and regional corporate governance specific to Alaska Natives and emanating from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Alaska Native Rights and the Law
Examine the legal history related to land and resources traditionally held by Alaska Native peoples. Particular attention is paid to subsistence rights, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Beyond basic examination of natural resources law specific to Alaska, students consider and generate understandings of co-management agreements that honor traditional, tribal, and regional claims.
Tribal Governance
Analyze the history of federal Indian law, and consider how modern tribal government and politics have evolved. Students focus on mechanisms used by tribes to promote the social, economic, and political welfare of tribal members, and examine political aspects of tribal sovereignty, tribal community development, and pan-indigenous movements. Particular attention is given to the tribal justice systems in Alaska.

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Institute & Program Area

APU’s Institute of Culture & Environment promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Liberal Studies, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Outdoor Studies. Honoring Alaska’s cultural and geographic diversity, the Institute prepares students to address and engage our region’s complex and unique challenges.

Moving ideas! When you want to combine creative thinking with practical skills, choose any of the Liberal Studies programs and put your talent to work. Whether your outlet is in music, poetry or media and communications– whether you aim to improve the planet or enhance well-being one person at a time – our programs provide meaningful pathways to meet your goals.

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