Alaska DOT&PF Tribal Relations Policy Update 2026
Alaska DOT&PF Tribal Relations Policy Update 2026
Alaska DOT&PF Tribal Relations Policy Update 2026
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) recognizes the deep cultural heritage and unique needs of Alaska Native peoples and Alaska Native organizations. The DOT&PF Tribal Relations Team was established to strengthen collaboration, foster mutual respect, and build lasting relationships between the department and Alaska Native organizations. Our goal is to create a meaningful, transparent, and inclusive engagement framework that ensures tribal voices are heard and integrated throughout Alaska's transportation planning and infrastructure development processes.
Your Role in the Policy Review Process
As a Tribe, Alaska Native Corporation or Tribal Leader, your participation remains important to the successful implementation of a new way of working. The draft policy document for review was co-created throughout facilitated meetings, a comprehensive, open-ended survey and many conversations throughout the past year. Your role includes reviewing the draft as we move through updating the policy.
DOT&PF is providing a 45-day Tribal review period beginning March 27, 2026 and concluding May 11, 2026.
Comments may be submitted through this Public Input site, an online platform where participants may review project materials and submit comments directly. Comments may also be submitted by:
Texting 73224
Leaving a voicemail at 855-925-2801 using Project Code 4045
If you would like to provide additional information or comments outside of the Public Input Website, please email the DOT&PF Tribal Team at dot.tribal.team@alaska.gov. lf you would like to speak with someone from the team, connect with Danielle Tessen at 907-347-8358.
For more information, resources, and best practices related to the department's work with Alaska Native Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, please visit ou Tribal Relations website http://dot.alaska.gov/tribalrelations/.
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Do you have any affiliation with Alaska Native or Tribal entities?
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Are there areas where the approach could be strengthened?
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Does this policy clearly describe when and how consultation should occur?
DOT&PF Tribal Team Email
Or Contact Danielle Tessen at danielle.tessen@alaska.gov or 907.347.8358.
"Frequently Asked Questions"
This outreach is not part of a legal requirement tied to updating a DOT&PF policy. It is an intentional step to ensure we have accurately heard and understood perspectives shared through prior engagement and survey responses. Our goal is to reflect those insights in a way that supports a policy grounded in a genuine and practical way of working together.
We value this input as an important step in building a policy that is both informed and respectful of Tribal perspectives.
DOT&PF is providing a 45-day Tribal review period beginning March 27, 2026 and concluding May 11, 2026.
DOT&PF Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no one shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.