Gambell and Savoonga Residents Attend Environmental Health Course


From June 27th to June 30th, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, or ACAT, hosted an Environmental Health and Justice course in Gambell, open to residents of both Gambell and Savoonga.

Although courses like these have been held in both Nome and Anchorage in years past, this was the first time one was offered on St. Lawrence Island.

“Often times, people who have lived in this area [St. Lawrence Island] have a knowledge that scientists don’t yet have…for me, it’s very important for academic scientists to work with people who have that local knowledge and wisdom. I think, together, we can solve the problems much more effectively.”

— Pamela Miller, Executive Director and Founder of ACAT

Listen above to a KNOM profile exploring how ACAT works with communities to address contaminants present in the Arctic from both global and local sources.

Brad Apassingok of Gambell and Peggy Akeya of Savoonga studying macroinvertebrates.
Brad Apassingok of Gambell and Peggy Akeya of Savoonga studying macroinvertebrates.
Sandra Annogiyuk and Peggy Akeya, both of Savoonga, present a sketch of their home village during the Community Mapping Exercise.
Peggy Akeya and Sandra Annogiyuk, both of Savoonga, present a sketch of their home village during the Community Mapping Exercise.
Robert Annogiyuk of Savoonga collects water samples at Troutman Lake in Gambell.
Robert Annogiyuk of Savoonga collects water samples at Troutman Lake in Gambell.

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