Alaska's intertribal working group advances criminal jurisdiction initiatives for tribes

A significant development in Alaska's tribal governance emerged during the recent House Tribal Affairs meeting, highlighting the establishment of an intertribal working group aimed at enhancing technical assistance for Alaska Native tribes. This initiative, modeled after a successful program in the lower 48 states, is designed to address the unique needs of Alaska's tribes.

The Alaska Intertribal Working Group (ITWIG) has already held two successful meetings, with over 100 participants each time. The first meeting took place in Fairbanks last April, followed by a second gathering in Anchorage in September 2024. A third meeting, originally scheduled for this month in Fairbanks, has been postponed to September 2025 due to federal changes.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has appointed the Alaska Native Justice Center to lead this initiative, collaborating with various partners, including the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The working group operates on two tracks: Track 1 is open to all interested tribes, while Track 2 focuses on tribes seeking special tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Native individuals.

Notably, the Chickaloon Native Village and the Native Village of Dot Lake have stepped forward to participate in Track 2, receiving DOJ funding to support their pilot projects. Other tribes, including the Native Village of Cake and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, have also expressed interest in joining this critical effort.

This initiative underscores the importance of tailored support for Alaska's tribes, emphasizing the need for Alaska-based and informed technical assistance. As the working group continues to evolve, it aims to foster peer-to-peer information sharing and enhance the capacity of tribes to navigate complex legal frameworks. The anticipated outcomes of this collaboration could significantly impact tribal governance and justice in Alaska.