Tribal Governance

Trimble Gilbert  receives an honorary doctor of laws degree at the commencement ceremony May 8, 2016, at the Carlson Center

College of Indigenous Studies
Department of Tribal Governance
907-474-7143

Department Overview

At the Department of Tribal Governance, the heart of our mission is to strengthen tribal sovereignty and leadership. Central to our philosophy is the interconnected relationship between tribal self-governance and community well-being.  Our courses and curriculum are designed and delivered in response to requests by tribal partners. We recognize, utilize and uplift Indigenous ways of life and knowledge, and we often call upon tribal leaders, experts and Elders to share their knowledge.We currently offer culturally responsive, place-based curriculum, training, and workshops focused on Tribal governance and law, Tribal stewardship, Tribal administration and management, Tribal policy and advocacy, and Tribal economies.


A.A.S., Certificate, Minor, Tribal Governance

The Department of Tribal Governance 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 A.A.S., certificate and minor programs allow students to tailor their education for specific employment-related skills. The Department of Tribal Governance 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.

Students entering either the certificate or A.A.S. degree program will meet with a faculty advisor to discuss program content, requirements and planning.

Minimum Requirements for Tribal Governance Certificate: 30 credits; for A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits

Minimum Requirement for Tribal Governance Minor: 15 credits

Learn more about the certificate and associate degree in tribal governance, including an overview of the programs, career opportunities and more.


Occupational Endorsement, Tribal Justice

The occupational endorsement in tribal justice provides education specific to tribal courts and tribal justice in Alaska, preparing tribal court judges, clerks and administrators for employment in the tribal justice field. The endorsement also provides a pathway for continuing education for tribal justice professionals in Alaska. Applicants must be 16 years old to be admitted.

Minimum Requirements for Tribal Justice Occupational Endorsement: 9 credits


Courses

Tribal Governance (TG)

TG F101      Introduction to Tribal Government in Alaska      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

An introduction to the study of tribal government and politics in Alaska, including tribal legislative and judicial and administrative responsibilities. Presents key concepts of federal Indian law, self-determination and self-governance for building and enhancing tribal governments.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F102      Essentials of Tribal Government      (an)
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course will provide an overview of tribal council executive, legislative and judicial responsibilities including tribal council role in writing laws, basics of tribal sovereignty, sovereign immunity and rights of tribal members.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 2 credits

TG F103      Introduction to Tribal Administration
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course will review the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully serve as a Tribal Administrator for Tribal Government within Alaska, including: introduction to Federal Indian Law, basics of Tribal Self-Governance/BIA 638 Contracts programs and funding, overview of tribal financial management, reporting fundamentals and role of the Tribal Administrator.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 2 credits

TG F105      Introduction to Managing Tribal Governments      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Tools and methods for the management and oversight of tribal government programs and organizations. Student evaluation includes how well the student affects changes in tribal operations and tribal management.

Prerequisites: Must be familiar with computer and related word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F110      Tribal Court Development for Alaska Tribes
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

An introduction to tribal court development in Alaska. Will focus on a practical understanding of key concepts for developing a tribal court process in rural Alaska. Will explore the differences and relationships between tribal, state, and federal justice systems, including concepts of jurisdiction and due process.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F111      Children's Topics in Tribal Justice
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Overview of children's cases in tribal justice. Preparation for informed participation in the tribal justice system as it affects children and families. Topics such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, child protection, child custody and tribal adoptions will be addressed.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F112      Federal Indian Law for Alaska Tribes      (an)
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Introduction to federal Indian law, focusing on the impacts to modern Alaskan tribal governments. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between federal Indian law and tribal justice systems in Alaska.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F113      Tribal Code Development
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on development of written tribal codes, including the importance of incorporating traditional unwritten laws and values into modern written codes. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between written tribal laws and tribal justice systems.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F114      Tribal Justice Responses to Community and Domestic Violence
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on role of the tribal justice system in responding to community and domestic violence, including the use of tribal protective orders under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F115      Tribal Court Administration
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on the administration of tribal courts in Alaska and the role of the tribal court clerk. Key concepts and strategies related to the effective administration and operation of tribal justice systems in Alaska will be discussed.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F116      Juvenile Justice in Tribal Court
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on concepts and strategies impacting juveniles in tribal justice systems. Special focus will be given to issues of juvenile delinquency, strategies in sentencing and community monitoring, as well as, youth courts and community justice theories.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F117      Tribal Court Enforcement of Decisions
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on role of the tribal government and justice system in enforcement of tribal court decisions in rural Alaska, including monitoring of offenders. Key concepts and strategies related to enforcement of tribal court decisions, including writing effective orders and monitoring of offenders, will be discussed.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F118      Tribal Community and Restorative Justice
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

Focuses on concepts and strategies in community justice, restorative justice, tribal peacemaking and other prominent judicial theories impacting modern Alaskan tribal jurisprudence.

Recommended: TG F110.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

TG F120      Introduction to Tribal Natural Resources Stewardship      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Fall

Examination of foundations, principles and goals of tribal natural resources stewardship. Including the history of tribal stewardship in Alaska, covering state and federal natural resources laws and management systems. The course will also introduce concepts and tools in developing tribal natural resources stewardship programs, including successful contemporary models.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F140      Introduction to Geospatial Data
1 Credit

Offered As Demand Warrants

An introductory survey of tools for the gathering and mapping of both qualitative and quantitative geospatial data for the natural and social sciences. Students will get direct experience with basic tools and techniques for gathering geospatial data, and will incorporate their data into an existing geospatial database.

Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy equivalent to CIOS F100.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F141      Practical GIS for Rural Alaska
2 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Practical and place-based introduction to the development of maps using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Covers basic tools and skills necessary for creating community maps using existing geospatial data as well as data gathered using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Class exercises emphasize applications pertinent to rural Alaska map development.

Prerequisites: TG F140.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F142      Practical GIS Project Design
2 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

How to design and implement basic Geographic Information System (GIS) projects. Class exercises emphasize GIS project planning, data collection, and practical map development to meet common needs for communities in rural Alaska.

Prerequisites: TG F141.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F160      Indigenous Culture and Science Camp
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Introduction to Indigenous culture and relationships to science, held in conjunction with a Tribally/Community sponsored Indigenous Culture and Science Camp (ICSC). ICSCs provide an opportunity to experience Alaska Native culture(s), Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous science through hands-on and traditional practices. ICSCs explore experiential Indigenous and science learning opportunities.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 13.3-39.9 + 0 + 13.3-39.9

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F161      Tribal and Community Leadership Development
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course explores effective tribal/community leadership development, examining place-based, culturally-relevant key leadership qualities and skills in tribal and Alaska Native communities. Students will explore how to put leadership into action for community wellbeing. Course is elder led, with a focus on tribal values and cultural practices, and including tribal/community leaders.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 13.3-39.9 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F162      Tribal Youth Advocacy
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course provides space for tribal youth leaders to: ground their advocacy in their culture and values; find and strengthen their voice; identify key youth advocacy priorities; grow advocacy fluency and develop advocacy plans. The course provides opportunity to practice and share Indigenous languages and cultural activities, guided by elders.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 13.3-39.9 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F199      Tribal Management Practicum I
3 Credits

Professional and personal development while working in a rural service organization. Emphasis on developing the understanding and skills necessary for delivery of rural services. Course is guided by an academic advisor. Student must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.

Prerequisites: Must be familiar with computer and related word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F201      Tribal Government in Alaska II      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Spring

A study of tribal government and politics in Alaska. Explores the historical relationships among tribal, state and federal government in Alaska. Provides a focus on tribal sovereignty and self-determination for building and enhancing tribal governments.

Prerequisites: TG F101.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F205      Managing Tribal Governments II      (an)
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Advanced tools and methods for the management and oversight of tribal government programs and organizations. Student evaluation includes how well the student affects changes in tribal operations and tribal management

Prerequisites: TG F105.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F221      Tribal Participation in Federal Fish and Wildlife Management Systems
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Introduction to Tribal Government/Citizen participation in Federal Subsistence Management in Alaska as it pertains to promoting traditional ways of life. This course will review: ANILCA Title 8; Tribal Consultation; administration/structure/operations of Federal Subsistence Management. Experiential learning includes development of testimony and/or participation in Federal meetings.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 16

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F222      Tribal Participation in State Fish and Game Management Systems
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Introduction to Tribal Government/Citizen participation in State of Alaska fish and game management as it pertains to promoting traditional ways of life. Review of administration/structure/operations of fish and game management, including Local Advisory Committees, and/or Board of Fish/Game. Experiential learning includes development of testimony and/or participation in state meetings.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 16

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F225      Tribal Natural Resources Stewardship in Practice
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course explores effective tribal natural resources stewardship efforts, examining place-based, culturally relevant program development and implementation at the tribal level. This course will build tools, skills and knowledge for integrated stewardship programming. Examine contemporary issues and identify and discuss underlying Indigenous and Western concepts.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

TG F250      Current Topics in Tribal Government
1-3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Various topics of current interest to Tribal Governments and Tribal Management students. Topics announced prior to each offering and course may be repeated for credit.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades

Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 9 times for up to 9 credits

TG F299      Tribal Management Practicum II
3 Credits

Professional and personal development while working in a rural service organization. Emphasis on developing the understanding and skills necessary for delivery of rural services. Course is guided by an academic advisor. Student must be willing and able to work independently outside the classroom and in the community.

Prerequisites: Must be familiar with computer and related word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

Faculty

Michelle Demmert, J.D. 

Assistant Professor

mmdemmert@alaska.edu
(206) 276-7830


Kevin M. Illingworth, J.D.

Professor and Department Chair

kevin.i@alaska.edu
907-474-5710


Carrie Stevens, M.I.I.M.

Associate Professor

cmstevens@alaska.edu
907-474-2616


Laura Zimin, M.A. 

Assistant Professor
Bristol Bay Campus

llzimin@alaska.edu
907-842-8361


Affiliate Faculty

Jim Simon, Ph.D.

Affiliate Professor


Siġvanna (Meghan) Tapqaq, J.D.

Affiliate Professor

matapqaq@alaska.edu
907-434-1484