Prepare for Leadership

Alaska Pacific University’s Indigenous Studies programs prepare students to engage thoughtfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, cultures, governance, and contemporary issues. Through interdisciplinary coursework, Alaska Native perspectives, and hands-on learning, students explore Indigenous knowledges, histories, rights, governance, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Whether pursuing a broad foundation in Indigenous Studies or focused preparation in Alaska Native Governance, students develop the critical thinking, professional skills, and practical experience to contribute meaningfully to communities and careers across Alaska and beyond.

Alaska Native Governance

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Explore traditional and contemporary Alaska Native governance systems
Examine Alaska Native rights, land, resources, and subsistence law
Study the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and its impact on governance
Understand tribal sovereignty, government, politics, and justice systems
Explore tribal and regional corporate governance
Examine co-management and approaches that honor Indigenous knowledge and governance
Learn about tribal community development and pan-Indigenous movements
Complete the degree through a flexible mix of on-campus and synchronous online courses

The Alaska Native Governance program prepares future leaders to understand, support, and advocate for Alaska Native communities. Students begin by exploring Alaska Native cultures, histories, and traditional and contemporary governance systems, building a strong foundation in Indigenous rights and responsibilities. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and internships, students develop the practical skills, critical thinking, and leadership experience needed to navigate complex issues and create meaningful change in Alaska Native communities.

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

Core Competencies

Effective Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural & Historical Perspective
Scientific Inquiry
Ethical Engagement

Career Opportunities

Government, Policy, & Law
Research & Fieldwork
Cultural Liaisons
Identity & Cross-Cultural Communications
Historian

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.

Course Delivery

128 credits minimum are required to complete the degree program. Core competencies, foundational, major, and self-determined studies are offered in a mixed format of:

On-campus
Online via synchronous learning

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

The Indigenous Studies Minor could contribute to any of APU’s undergraduate degrees for those students who are interested in adding Alaska Native and Indigenous expertise to their degree area. The Indigenous Studies minor introduces students to the field of Indigenous Studies in global contexts, with a specific emphasis on Indigenous peoples’ collaborative and strategic efforts in Alaska and the circumpolar North. The minor honors Alaska’s Indigenous heritages by engaging Alaska Native Elders and culture-bearers in required and elective coursework. A broad understanding of Alaska Native and Indigenous contexts enhances students’ eligibility for entry-level employment with Alaska Native organizations and State and Federal Agencies that require general knowledge of Alaska Native cultures and history. For any students who are looking to make this State their home, an Indigenous Studies minor is an invaluable path towards obtaining a holistic understanding of the People’s and cultures Indigenous to this land now called Alaska.

APPLY PROGRAM FLYER

Indigenous Studies

bachelor of arts

Explore Alaska Native and Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues. Learn from faculty expertise in governance, ANCSA, Indigenous sciences, peacemaking, well-being, oral traditions, research, and Alaska Native languages
Customize your studies with courses and minors across APU, including sciences, psychology, outdoor studies, business, humanities, and fine arts
Choose from on-campus or synchronous online courses for added flexibility- Examine Indigenous ways of knowing and their role in addressing social and environmental challenges
Analyze policies and issues related to sovereignty, self-determination, education, language, health, and well-being
Develop skills to understand shared histories, challenges, and successes across Indigenous communities

The B.A. in Indigenous Studies is ideal for students passionate about Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and communities. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in Alaska Native perspectives and global Indigenous experiences, you’ll explore history, governance, environmental stewardship, and research while building the skills to make an impact in education, policy, advocacy, communications, research, or graduate study.

Tribal Government & Administration
Indigenous Policy & Advocacy
Community & Nonprofit Leadership
Cultural Resource Management
Education & Outreach
Research & Program Evaluation
Environmental Stewardship
Communications & Public Affairs
Grant Writing & Program Development

Gain a deep understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues while exploring the interdisciplinary foundations of Indigenous Studies. You’ll examine Indigenous ways of knowing, analyze policies affecting Indigenous communities, and develop the skills to address social, environmental, and cultural challenges through informed, ethical, and community-centered perspectives. Below is a snapshot of some of the offered classes.

Lower Division Coursework (23-24 credits)

ANGV 20100 – Alaska Native Governance Systems
CS 20300 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies
CS 22700 – History and Culture of Alaska Natives
HI 20104 – Alaska’s History
RS 20111 – Religious History of Alaska

Upper Division Coursework (32 credits)

ANS 30500 – Indigenous Knowledges and the Sciences
ANS 31000 – Indigenous Well-Being and Ways of Knowing
ANS 40000 – Indigenous Research Methods
CS 41000 – Culture and the Environment
OS 40500 – Land Management and Stewardship

Focused Electives (8 credits)

BA 44000 – Alaska Native Corporation Business Management
CS 22000 – Peacemaker: A Design for Healthy and Safe Indigenous Communities
EPH 20100 – Environmental Health I
FP 11000 – Beginner Indigenous Fine Arts
FP 21000 – Intermediate Indigenous Fine Arts
IS 31100 – Essentials of Grant Writing
OS 10500 – Alaska Native Plants and Traditional Uses
PE 10300 – Beginning I Level Physical Education and Outdoor Skill Activities
PY 31000 – Diversity and Social Justice
PY 32500 – Social Psychology
SUS 41700 – Environmental Justice: Politics and Poetics
WL 11200 – Elementary Tlingit Language II
WL 11400 – Elementary Inupiaq II
WL 10100 – Elementary Central Yup’ik Language I
WL 10200 – Elementary Tlingit Language I
*Special Topics upon advisor approval

Minimum Graduation Credit Hour Requirement: 128

Application
Application Fee*
Official Final High School Transcript**
Official College Transcript(s)

*Fee waiver available for those who qualify
**If less than 24 college credits earned

Minimum GPA: 2.5 or higher – If you have a GPA lower than 2.5, there is an additional step in the admissions process, and we are happy to work with you to complete your application.

APPLY

ANELP

Graduate Certificate

Graduate certificate designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive roles in Alaska Native corporations and modern business environments
Builds business acumen and leadership capacity through a holistic, applied learning approach
Nine-month program with monthly in-person intensives in Anchorage
Includes flexible online coursework and real-world assignments
Provides mentorship from sponsoring organizations for career development
Credits may be applied toward APU’s MBA program for continued graduate study

Students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Alaska Native Executive Leadership may also choose to enroll in Alaska Pacific University’s traditional MBA program. ANELP credits can be applied toward the MBA, allowing students to complete up to one-quarter of their MBA coursework through ANELP while gaining specialized knowledge in Alaska Native leadership and governance.

ANELP offers students in-depth knowledge of key business areas through a structured, nine-month curriculum. Each of the nine modules lasts one month, combining two days of in-person instruction at the Alaska Pacific University campus with flexible pre- and post-assignments that can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. To enhance learning and professional growth, each participant is paired with a mentor from their sponsoring organization, providing guidance in setting career goals and identifying future development opportunities.

Learning Modules Include:

ANCSA History and Context (MBA 60910)
Leadership Styles and Effective Communications (MBA 60920)
Leading Your Human Resources (MBA 60930)
Federal Government Contracting (MBA 60960)
Evaluating Options: Risk Management (MBA 60970)

Required Courses:

MBA 55000 – Tools for Success
MBA 60910 – ANCSA History and Context
MBA 60920 – Leadership Styles and Effective Communication
MBA 60930 – Leading Your Human Resources
MBA 60940 – Developing High Performing Organizations
MBA 60950 – Budgeting and Planning for Sustainability and Growth
MBA 60960 – Federal Government Contracting
MBA 60970 – Evaluating Options: Valuation, Risk Management & Diversification
MBA 60980 – Strategy Development and Implementation
MBA 60990 – Working Effectively with Boards of Directors

Individuals identified as high potential leaders by an Alaska Native Corporation or other organization may apply for admission to the ANELP program. To gain program admission, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, submit the online application for ANELP, admission documents, and signed Executive Sponsorship and Financial Agreement forms.

Successful applicants will have the following qualifications:

An executive referral and corporate endorsement
Commitment to attend all sessions and successfully complete all modules
Minimum of three years of managerial-level or above work experience
Currently holds a leadership position
A bachelor’s degree or 10 years of progressive work experience
Strong oral and written presentation skills
Identified potential to meaningfully contribute to the Alaska Native community

APPLY

Business Administration

Emphasizing relevant and project-based learning, including studies in leadership, communication, organizational change and development, financial statements, and accounting.

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Liberal Studies

Experience an interdisciplinary program in the liberal arts and sciences, or concentrate on Writing, Pre-Law, Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Pre-Med. Faculty works closely with students to develop unique interests.

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Student Testimonials

Jacob Belleque

I took a peacemaking class with Polly, and she’s amazing. She shared some of the work she’s done in Kake, and it helped me understand that there’s always a deeper layer to every situation. Everyone has their own story, experiences, and trauma. Learning to connect with people through that is how I try to build relationships, especially within my own culture.

Jacob Belleque

Business Administration Bachelor of Arts
Accounting Minor
Spring 2026