Academic Overview

The Tribal Governance program provides skills and knowledge needed for positions within tribal, local and community governments and organizations across Alaska.

 
 

In response to the broad variety of job-related skills needed by tribal leaders, councils, administrators, and staff, the tribal governance certificate and A.A.S. degree programs are designed to allow students to tailor their education for specific employment-related skills.

The Tribal Governance program provides students with fundamental knowledge of tribal governance, law, policy and management through academic and hands-on education and training in subject areas important to tribal governments. Students work closely with their academic advisor to choose courses in one or more areas of study that target their employment needs.

Fall 2025 Cross Regional Courses

The UAF College of Indigenous Studies offers a variety of Fall 2025 Tribal Governance (TG) courses online to support Alaska's tribal and community leaders. Topics include tribal government administration, federal Indian law, natural resource stewardship, tribal courts, and indigenous policy. Courses are delivered remotely, with flexible schedules and hybrid options, making them accessible statewide. Designed for current and future tribal professionals, these courses equip students with knowledge in self-governance, legal frameworks, and rural service delivery.

Download Fall 2025 Course List
1939, Minto - Chief (extreme left) and part of the council.
1939, Minto - Chief (extreme left) and part of the council. Alaska State Library Historical Collections, ASL-P306-0497.
Four Chiefs of the Kogwanton clan in ceremonial regalia, posing next to Panting Wolf carving, during 1904 potlatch in Sitka
Four Chiefs of the Kogwanton clan in ceremonial regalia, posing next to Panting Wolf carving, during 1904 potlatch in Sitka. Alaska State Library Historical Collections, ASL-P57-020
Chief Thomas and wife (title taken from image) . University of 缅北禁地 Archives, UAF-1968-12-9.
Chief Thomas and wife (title taken from image). University of 缅北禁地 Archives, UAF-1968-12-9.
Chief Isaac and his son, Dawson, Y.T., 1899.
Chief Isaac and his son. Dawson, Y.T., 1899. Alaska State Library Historical Collections, ASL-P277-001-065.

Image at top: Tlingit Indian Dance Group. UAF Festival of Native Arts. February, 1987. University of 缅北禁地 Archives, UAF-2012-133-530.