Our Team
The Department of Tribal Governance is constantly growing our team to build expertise and reach new communities. We are a statewide program that understands the unique differences in tribal governance across the state. Contact us to let us know how we can best serve your education goals and community needs.

Michelle Demmert, J.D. (Tlingit)
Assistant Professor
Michelle Jaaghal.aat Demmert, Tlingit, has devoted her legal career, spanning over 30 years, to advancing improvements and practices in tribal courts and to advancing domestic violence protections for women and children. She actively engaged in the Alaska commercial fishing industry prior to her practice of law.


Debra (Dzijuksuk) O'Gara (Tlingit and Yupik), J.D., M.P.A., PhD Candidate
Assistant Professor

Carrie Stevens, M.I.I.M
Associate Professor and Department Chair


Laura Zimin, M.A. (Alutiiq)
Assistant Professor
Bristol Bay Campus
Affiliate Faculty


Image at top: Drying salmon at Pawik (title taken from image). National Geographic Society Katmai expeditions photographs, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage. UAA-hmc-0186-volume8-6599.