Prepare for Leadership

The Alaska Native Governance (ANGov) program at Alaska Pacific University prepares future leaders with a deep understanding of Alaska Native rights and governing responsibilities. Through a combination of intensive study and meaningful internships, students gain professional skills and problem-solving capabilities to better serve Alaska Native communities. The program begins with seminars exploring Alaska Native cultures, histories, and the governance systems that shape Indigenous experiences, providing essential context for leadership in Alaska.

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Alaska Native Governance

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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.

The ANGov program is designed for future leaders of Alaska, beginning with seminars that explore Alaska Native cultures, histories, and the governance systems shaping Indigenous experiences. These courses deepen students’ understanding of Alaska Native rights and governing responsibilities. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on internships, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities, preparing them to effectively support and advocate for 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.

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ANELP

Graduate Certificate

The Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program (ANELP) is a graduate certificate designed to equip future executives with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in today’s competitive business climate. Tailored to the unique needs of Alaska Native corporations, the program fosters a holistic approach to leadership by identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies for meaningful change.

Recognizing the importance of strong Alaska Native leadership, Afognak Native Corporation, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Chugach Alaska Corporation, The Aleut Corporation, and CIRI partnered with Alaska Pacific University to create this uniquely Alaskan executive education program. These corporations oversee some of the largest and most diverse businesses in the state, and ANELP prepares emerging leaders with the business acumen and vision necessary to drive growth, diversification, and long-term success.

In addition to the graduate certificate in Alaska Native Executive Leadership, students may elect to enroll in Alaska Pacific University’s traditional MBA program. Credits earned in ANELP can be applied toward a MBA; for example, students could complete a quarter of their MBA through ANELP.

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 (0)
MBA 60910 – ANCSA History and Context (1)
MBA 60920 – Leadership Styles and Effective Communication (1)
MBA 60930 – Leading Your Human Resources (1)
MBA 60940 – Developing High Performing Organizations (1)
MBA 60950 – Budgeting and Planning for Sustainability and Growth (1)
MBA 60960 – Federal Government Contracting (1)
MBA 60970 – Evaluating Options: Valuation, Risk Management & Diversification (1)
MBA 60980 – Strategy Development and Implementation (1)
MBA 60990 – Working Effectively with Boards of Directors (1)

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

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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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