The BA in Alaska Native Governance (ANGov) provides an interdisciplinary framework within which to examine the distinct and overlapping governance systems of Alaskan Tribal, village, corporate, and regional entities.  In the ANGov program, students identify principles and theories of governance and increase understandings of civil society and responsive democracy.  Students explore strategies to evaluate, advance, and/or reform governance and policy.  Historical events are examined that have led to current governance systems, with appreciation in particular for how Tribal, international, and corporate governance relate to issues of self-determination for Alaska Native peoples.  Most importantly, students develop leadership skills to sustain Alaska Natives, their communities, and their governing entities.

Study begins with introductory seminars focusing on Alaska Native cultures, histories, and the various governing systems through which Alaska Native experiences are shaped. At the upper-division level, focus is on laws such as ANCSA and ANILCA, as well as subsistence, Tribal governance, and Indigenous research methodologies. With an advisor, each student identifies an emphasis in an applied field where concepts and issues intersect with the broad concerns of Alaska Native governance.  As part of the program, students take part in leadership symposia, meeting Alaska Native elders, professionals, and mentors, growing appreciation of traditional ways of knowing along with corporate leadership.  Across the degree, studies incorporate practicum experiences or internships connected to real-world networks. The program culminates in the senior project, evidencing professionalism and problem-solving capability.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate, a student will earn an Bachelor of Arts degree with realized proficiency in APU’s Core Competencies:

1. Effective Communication [EC]:  Demonstrate the ability to get one’s point across in writing, presentations, and organizations in order to share information, teach others, and foster collaboration
2. Critical Thinking [CT]:  Demonstrate the ability to compute, analyze, make sense of information or data, and reach reasoned conclusions cognizant of possible bias or fallacies
3. Cultural & Historical Perspective [CH]:  Demonstrate the ability to effectively consider tradition and heritage in relation to decision-making in a world shaped by diverse cultures and abiding histories
4. Scientific Inquiry [SI]:  Demonstrate the ability to reach verifiable conclusions based on documented observations, findings, and recognized methods in order to know how things work in our world
5. Ethical Engagement [EE]:  Demonstrate ability to raise needed questions and apply ethical and effective problem-framing and problem-solving to make things better