“Alaska Pacific University is ours, we are governing it and guiding it as an Alaska Native University.” – Lucy Sparck, Elder Council Member

Alaska Native University

A self-determined university open to all students

Being an Alaska Native University is not a label. It’s a commitment. It defines and drives our direction, decisions, and purpose as we aim to serve Alaska Native communities and Alaska as a whole. We’re redefining higher education in Alaska by advancing a self-determined model of a Tribally governed Alaska Native University that uplifts Indigenous knowledge, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures Indigenous leadership continues to guide the university’s future. We lead with humility and care—for one another, for knowledge, and for the lands and waters that sustain us.

Core Principles

What it means to be an Alaska Native University

1. Continued Tribal Governance

We are guided by Alaska Native peoples, accountable to Indigenous communities, and grounded in place. This identity shapes everything we do—from what we teach to how we lead.

2. Interweaving Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems

We strive to become worthy stewards of Indigenous knowledge systems and to grow leaders who will carry that responsibility forward.

3. A place where Alaska Native Students Thrive

Our Alaska Native student population continues to grow, and for the third year in a row, APU has some of the highest Alaska Native graduation rates in the state.

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Continuing our founder’s vision

The founder of Alaska Pacific University, Peter Gordon Gould—an Unangax̂ from the village of Unga in the Aleutian Islands—recognized a deep need “for Indigenous leadership reared, educated, and trained in Alaska for Alaska.” He envisioned a high-quality university that would be accessible to all. In 2017, the university restructured and renewed its focus on Alaska Native students, reaffirming Founder Gould’s vision of cultivating Indigenous leadership rooted in Alaska. It was during this time that APU began its transition toward becoming a Tribal University. That door remains open, and APU will make decisions about applying for Tribal University status once the institution reaches the necessary Indigenous student population.

Federally, APU is designated as an “Alaska Native-Serving Institution,” a subset of the Minority-Serving Institution designation. During a meaningful discussion at an Elders Council meeting, Elder Lucy Sparck thoughtfully objected to this term, noting that it reflects federal patriarchy rather than true self-determination.

Core Values – Our Guides for Action

The following quotes are from various members of our Board of Trustees

Wisdom

“Listening deeply to Elders, centering Alaska Native knowledge and diversity, and cultivating leaders ready to guide our shared future.”

Respect

“Respect sparks bold learning, fuels critical thinking, and creates a space where diverse ways of being and knowing thrive.”

Responsibility

“We are living ancestors — we act with the next generations in mind.”

Reciprocity

“We give not to get, but to grow collective well-being — so all are care for, now and into the future.”

Relevance

“Relevance is not about chasing trends — it’s about looking to the horizon, guided by thousands of years of knowledge.”

Reimagining Tribal Higher Education

Become a member and help strengthen Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and opportunity across Alaska.

Alaska Pacific University has been Tribally governed for many years and continues to uphold its commitment to Alaska Native communities through a new multi-tiered governance model. This structure invites Tribes, Tribal organizations, and allies to help build a sustainable foundation for future generations. The model strengthens APU’s future by expanding and diversifying its membership, welcoming partners to provide guidance and support, and fostering shared responsibility for the benefit of current and future students. It reaffirms APU’s ongoing work as a self-defined Alaska Native University, ensuring that Tribes and Tribal organizations remain central to decision-making and leadership.

The governance structure includes three tiers of membership—Stewardship, Associate, and Allied—each offering leadership opportunities aligned with the member’s level of financial investment. Through their participation, members help advance APU’s vision of becoming a self-defined Alaska Native University and contribute to a new model for Tribal higher education.

Reserved for Tribes and Tribal organizations seeking to educate their membership, workforce and community while formally recognizing APU as an Alaska Native University. This is the highest level of membership and includes an appointed seat on the Board of Trustees, along with an annual financial commitment.

Designed for Tribes and Tribal organizations that wish to sanction APU as an Alaska Native University without financial commitment. Associate Members may nominate a Trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees and receive priority consideration for open seats.

Open to non-Tribal entities and individuals who wish to support the vision and mission of APU’s emerging Alaska Native University model through annual financial contributions. Allied Members may also nominate a Trustee for an at-large seat on the APU Board of Trustees.

Membership Privileges

Members enjoy a range of benefits designed to strengthen partnerships and advance shared goals:

Participation in program and advisory committees
Participation in governance through appointing or nominating trustees
A voice in shaping APU’s future and helping determine priorities for program development
Opportunity to participate in a shared-cost scholarship program for employees and constituents
Discounts on facility use and other University services
Priority access to facility rentals and housing for trainees and interns

Reach Out Today!

Means “sharing our experience to help our next generation succeed” in the Dena’ina language.

Alaska Native University