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Tribal Governance Courses
AITRC supports and contributes to Tribal governance education that strengthens Tribal authority, advances subsistence rights, and prepares future leaders to engage effectively in state, federal, and Tribal decision-making processes.
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Through partnerships with academic institutions and Tribal organizations, AITRC staff share applied experience in co-management, Alaska subsistence law, and Indigenous stewardship to support students pursuing careers in Tribal governance and natural resource management.
Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries Management and the Role of Ahtna Dene in Protecting Tribal Ways of Life in Alaska.
AITRC’s Deputy Director, Dr. Jim Simon, taught Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries Management and the Role of Ahtna Dene in Protecting Tribal Ways of Life in Alaska through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Tribal Governance.
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Held in Gulkana, the course examined the legal foundations of subsistence in Alaska, the history of Alaska Native rights, and the ongoing work to uphold Tribal authority over the lands and waters that sustain Ahtna communities. Drawing on decades of experience in Tribal co-management and subsistence law, Dr. Simon guided students through both the policy framework and the lived realities of Tribal stewardship.
What Students
Learned.
Participants gained practical, real-world skills, including:
Understanding Alaska subsistence law and Tribal co-management structures
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Navigating state and federal regulatory systems
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Developing and delivering effective public testimony
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Applying legal and governance knowledge to protect Tribal ways of life
The course concluded with each participant delivering testimony, allowing students to put new knowledge into practice and build confidence engaging in regulatory processes.
Preparing the Next Generation of Tribal Governance Professionals.
AITRC is proud to support educational opportunities that empower future Tribal leaders across Alaska. Courses like this help ensure that Tribal voices remain strong, informed, and influential in decisions that affect subsistence, natural resources, and cultural continuity.
Interested in Future Courses?
AITRC supports opportunities for Tribal governance education, guest lectures, and community-based learning.
If you are interested in future courses, trainings, or partnerships, please contact AITRC to learn more.
Participants practicing giving their testimonies to the class
Tribal Governance Course 2025
Dr. Jim Simon teaching about Tribal Governance