Our Government
Sitka Tribe of Alaska is a federally-recognized Tribe. It is the contemporary expression and form of the sovereign right of the Tlingit people of Sheet’ká Ḵwáan to govern ourselves. This right is inherent to our existence as a people since time immemorial.
Prior to 1993, STA operated its basic services programs through Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination Act contracts. Shortly thereafter, the Tribe entered a Self-Governance Compact (authorized by Public Law 100-472) and has since negotiated an annual funding agreement with the U.S. Government for general operations and provision of a variety of programs, including Government and Administration, Business and Economic Development, Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Health and Social Services, Education, Training and Scholarships, and Housing Improvement.Â
STA is governed by a nine-member Council composed of individuals elected by the Tribal citizens in accordance with the Tribe’s constitution. Tribal Council adopts ordinances, codes, and policies to exercise its powers as outlined in the constitution. The Council hires and oversees a General Manager. STA employs an outside accounting firm to conduct an independent audit of each year’s transactions and holdings.
Constitution and Tribal Law
STA’s current constitution was last updated in 1991. In 2023, the Tribe appointed a committee to consider revisions. A vote on proposed amendments is anticipated in 2025.
Sovereign Relationships
The Tribal Council is authorized to negotiate with Tribal, federal, state, local, and foreign governments and other entities on behalf of the Tribe, and to consult with representatives of these governments on all matters that impact the Tribe.
Some agencies are legally required to consult with Sitka Tribe of Alaska on issues of concern to the Tribe; others choose to do so. From time to time, the Tribe executes memoranda of understanding and agreements with other government agencies to better define working relationships. Â