Alaska Conservation Foundation is striving to simultaneously support conservation and tribal agency and decision-making, as well as address environmental justice issues stemming from climate change and development that disproportionately affects Tribes and other marginalized communities. We work in spaces where the legacy of the 1900s era, white-led conservation is rightfully challenged by some, and therefore, motivations behind our current work are sometimes questioned. To move forward effectively with our partners it is important to acknowledge the past and current systems of inequities and power imbalances.
● Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have been the stewards of the land, water, air, and all living things. Colonialism has obstructed Indigenous peoples from stewarding their homelands and at the same time empowering predominantly white-led institutions to amass disproportionate wealth and influence.
● Public lands policies in Alaska have further disrespected and disrupted the traditional relationships of Indigenous communities with the lands, waters, air, and all life within.
● As a historically white-led organization, Alaska Conservation Foundation has supported work without including voices from affected Native communities and has not always recognized the many different Alaska Native cultures, communities, voices, and perspectives surrounding our work.
● Alaska is home to some of the most culturally diverse communities—both Native and non-Native—in the United States. Because we live in a society with systemic prejudice, oppression, and inequity, marginalized individuals and communities have been disproportionately impacted by environmental and social injustices and have not had equitable access to resources, partnerships, and projects that our organization works to offer.
Alaska Conservation Foundation is passionate about implementing inclusive and non-discriminatory policies and practices around conservation and environmental issues in Alaska so that all people can continue to be stewards to the lands, waters, air, wildlife, and ways of life. This will be achieved through our ongoing efforts to ensure all people feel welcome to work, partner, and engage with Alaska Conservation Foundation. We commit to prioritizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work.
Our Definitions
Justice: the process of being just, equitable, morally guided, and fair and balanced for everyone.
Equity: the full and appropriate access to power, opportunities, and resources.
Diversity: human differences, including but not limited to those based on race, culture, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, nationality, geography, age, ability or disability, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, socio-economic status, faith, political beliefs or other identities. Our definition also includes a diversity of thought, ideas, perspectives, and values.
Inclusion: the act of fostering safe environments in which any individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, and valued so that they can fully participate.
