March 13th, 2025

Contact: [email protected], 907-677-1700

Re: Urgent Request to Rescind UA Board of Regents vote to exclude DEI language, restore Alaska Native to the ANSEP website and Affirm Tribal Sovereignty

Dear UA Board of Regents: 

First Alaskans Institute (FAI) is deeply concerned about the University of Alaska’s swift decision to remove the term Alaska Native from the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program website following the Board of Regents vote to eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) language. This action undermines the recognition of Alaska Native peoples, being tribal members, as sovereign Tribal Nations and disregards the university’s responsibility to honor the unique legal and political status of Alaska Native and Native American Tribes.

We urge the University of Alaska to uphold the United States' Trust Responsibility Obligation to Indian Tribes and by recognizing Tribes as a distinct politicalclassification, not a racial one. The federal government’s Executive Order 14151 addressing DEI does not and should not apply to Tribes or Tribal-specific programs.  This is a critical moment to correct any misunderstanding and ensure that the removal of DEI language does not result in the erasure of Alaska Native identity and Tribal Sovereignty within the University of Alaska’s policy and programs.   

During these changing times, we would like to reiterate that we support all minorities and marginalized populations and remind the UA Board of Regents of Regents’ Policy 01.01.010 and its mission statement: "The University of Alaska inspires learning and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples."  Removing the explicit recognition of Alaska Native students, scholars, and leaders contradicts this mission and risks weakening the pipeline of Alaska Native professionals vital to Alaska’s economy, governance, and cultural heritage. 

Alaska Native people value and respect the university’s relationship with Tribes.  To preserve and strengthen this relationship, FAI strongly recommends the Board of Regents:  

1. Publicly affirm that Alaska Native Tribes are a unique political class and, therefore, exempt from any executive orders addressing DEI. 

1. Immediately restore the term Alaska Native to ANSEP and other university programs specifically serving Tribal communities. 

1. Issue a formal apology recognizing the harm caused by removing this language and committing to policies that uphold Tribal sovereignty and inclusion. 

We trust that the University of Alaska will demonstrate leadership and integrity by taking immediate action to address this matter.  We look forward to your response and a resolution that reflects the University of Alaska’s dedication to Alaska’s First Peoples.  

On behalf of our Staff and Trustees at First Alaskans Institute,  

Sincerely,

First Alaskans Institute