Core Values
Driven by a core belief in environmental justice, ACAT empowers communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through collaborative research, shared science, education, organizing, and advocacy.
Environmental Justice & Just Transition
Recognizing that people of color, the poor, and workers are disproportionately harmed by the siting of and toxic releases from military and industrial facilities, ACAT seeks to remedy this injustice through community-based research and advocacy.
ACAT is a core member of the Alaska Just Transition Collective.
Precautionary
Principle
The precautionary principle guides us to protect health by preventing exposures to harmful chemicals. If toxics are present and suspected to cause health problems, we believe measures to limit and avoid unnecessary exposure to those chemicals should be taken. The precautionary principle means that it is “better to be safe than sorry.”
Rights & Sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples
We respect and honor the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. We support this statement by partnering with tribal governments to design and conduct community-based participatory research that includes sharing ownership of data and peer-reviewed scientific publications and facilitating tribal government participation in policy change at every level from local to international. Our community-based research is based on respect for and the guidance of traditional knowledge bearers, those who have stewarded this land for millennia.
Culture of
Caring & Wellness
We are committed to nurturing ourselves and each other so that we can do the work for the long haul. Prioritizing and maintaining wellness of staff and community, acknowledging and incorporating traditional and holistic healing, and working to heal intergenerational trauma are instrumental in maintaining momentum in creating a more just world.