This page will serve as a central location for DOT&PF Tribal training modules and resource materials. Throughout 2026, the DOT&PF Tribal Team will continue to populate this space with recorded trainings, guidance documents, tools, and reference materials to support consistent, meaningful engagement with Alaska Native Tribes, organizations, and corporations.
These resources are intended to build shared understanding across DOT&PF and provide practical information to support consultation, coordination, and collaboration as part of transportation planning, project development, and delivery.
Content will be added on a rolling basis as materials are finalized and uploaded.
Module 1: Tribal Law & Transportation
This session is the first in a three-part Lunch & Learn training series developed by the DOT&PF Tribal Team to support consistent, meaningful consultation with Alaska Native Tribes, organizations, and corporations.
Tribal Law & Transportation provides a practical overview of the legal and regulatory framework that guides DOT&PF’s work with Alaska Native entities. The session explains how these requirements apply to transportation planning, project development, and project delivery.
This training is relevant for a broad audience, including DOT&PF staff, partners, and stakeholders interested in understanding how Tribal law intersects with transportation decision-making in Alaska.
“In the past, I’ve felt uncomfortable and somewhat intimidated in meetings with Tribes because I never want to come across as disrespectful or make anyone feel like their voice doesn’t matter. As a result, I’ve tended to stay quiet during these interactions. This training gave me a clearer understanding of Tribal consultation requirements, expectations, and the importance of early and continuous communication in the process. Learning about the steps involved and how to meet these requirements helps me feel more confident and better prepared for future conversations. I look forward to learning more. Thank you so much for providing this valuable training.”
Download the Module 1 Slide Deck
Module 2: Tribal Training: Cultural Awareness and Respect
The DOT&PF Tribal Team developed this training as part of a broader effort to build shared understanding and strengthen how the department engages with Alaska Native Tribes and communities.
This Cultural Awareness and Respect module provides an overview of Alaska Native cultures, histories, and tribal sovereignty, along with practical guidance for working with Tribal governments and communities. The training highlights approaches that honor cultural values, strengthen relationships, and support successful project delivery.
Originally delivered as a live lunch-and-learn session, this training was recorded and is now available as part of DOT&PF’s Tribal training resources.
This training is intended for all DOT&PF staff—across planning, design, construction, operations, administration, and leadership—to support consistent, respectful, and informed engagement statewide.
Download the Module 2 Slide Deck
Module 3: Practical Engagement and Best Practices
This training module focuses on practical engagement practices for Tribal consultation in Alaska transportation projects, translating policy and principles into day-to-day actions.
Building on the previous legal framework and cultural awareness modules, this session emphasizes how consultation works in real project settings—across planning, design, construction, and decision-making. It highlights the importance of early engagement, aligning consultation with key decision points, and ensuring Tribal input has a meaningful opportunity to influence outcomes.
The training provides practical guidance on how to engage effectively, including preparing for meetings, communicating clearly, respecting time and capacity, documenting input, and following through on commitments. It also outlines roles and responsibilities across DOT&PF teams and reinforces the importance of coordination and consistency.
Ultimately, this module demonstrates that effective consultation is not a one-time step, but an ongoing practice—one that strengthens relationships, improves project outcomes, and supports accountable, well-informed decision-making across the department.