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Our Mission

Advocacy Through The Arts & Sciences

The Advocacy Through Art and Sciences Association (ATASA) is a student-led, interdisciplinary initiative committed to environmental education, ecological justice, and public engagement in Ontario, Canada. We are a non-profit group with no financial interests 100% volunteer-based. Founded in Ontario by university students and early-career researchers, ATASA brings together scientific research, artistic expression, and community-based action to raise awareness about humanity’s impact on the natural world.

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Our mission is to study, communicate, and challenge environmental degradation by merging the precision of science with the power of the arts. We believe that meaningful change comes not just from research and data, but from storytelling, collaboration, and accessible communication.

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ATASA launched its first campaign at the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) lands in Richmond Hill, ON -  to spread awareness and advocate for protecting and preserving the remaining David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) forest and land in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. 

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After significant deforestation in 2015 to make way for a large housing development, the remaining natural environment of the DDO land has continued to degrade due to ongoing anthropogenic (human) activity. See History

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In 2025, plans are underway to transform the remaining property into a fully interactive park. This development includes more built facilities such as trails, skating rinks, playgrounds, tennis courts, and other amenities, resulting in further deforestation. These plans compromise the natural environment's integrity and restorative potential for the community, risking a decrease in biodiversity if not addressed with greater care and attention than is evident.​ 

Through soil analysis, satellite imagery, plant surveys, historical research, and public outreach, our team has documented and communicated the ongoing changes to this endangered greenspace.

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From this foundation, ATASA continues to expand across Ontario, working with students, educators, artists, scientists, and community members to promote sustainable development, Indigenous land stewardship, and youth-led conservation advocacy.​ We aim to raise public awareness beyond the Town of Richmond Hill, and document that the DDO forest is only one small example of the harsh reality of urbanization, deforestation and life in the Anthropocene.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Advocacy Through Art and Sciences Association (ATASA). Elected in accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, the Board provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, and ensures compliance with the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (S.C. 2009, c. 23). Directors work collaboratively to guide ATASA’s vision and the Executive Team, approve key initiatives, and ensure all projects align with our mission to advance environmental stewardship, interdisciplinary research, and creative public engagement. Each director brings unique expertise, from science and policy to the arts and community outreach, while sharing a unified commitment to strengthening ATASA’s impact across Ontario and Canada.

Board@ATASA.ca

Executive Team

The Executive Team of the Advocacy Through Art and Sciences Association (ATASA) is composed of the organization’s officers, who are appointed to manage the day-to-day operations of the association. Officers may also serve as Directors on the Board, allowing them to contribute both to governance and to operational leadership. The Executive Team carries out the Board’s decisions, oversees programs and initiatives, manages resources, and coordinates the work of ATASA’s members and committees to advance our mission across Ontario and Canada.

For additional information or questions, please contact our Secretary & Administration Office at: Secretary.Admin@Atasa.ca

Senior Advisory Council

Our Senior Advisory Council is made up of experienced professionals and community members whose knowledge and skills strengthen ATASA’s mission. They provide trusted guidance, share expertise from their respective fields, and offer hands-on support for select projects, from environmental restoration to community engagement initiatives. While they do not hold governing or voting authority, their contributions help shape our research, outreach, and on-the-ground work across Ontario and Canada.

Advisory.Council@ATASA.ca

Supporters List

Active Supporters of Current Initiative

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  1. Tom A,

  2. Helen A.

  3. Talia Allision

  4. Alena Anastasakos

  5. Eva Anastasakos

  6. Maryann Anastasakos

  7. Roula Anastasakos

  8. Zar Aufy

  9. Ariane Blouin

  10. Roxanne Brewer

  11. Fiona Dimitrijeva

  12. Luka Djurasovic

  13. Olivia Eric

  14. Sandi Esther

  15. Valentina Grohovaz

  16. Janina Golpis

  17. Meghan Hayley

  18. Azadeh Hemani

  19. Catherine Hennessey

  20. Fatimah Karim

  21. Shelley Kollins

  22. Natalie Kushnir

  23. Ronit Kushnir

  24. Al Kuthe

  25. Jennifer Kuthe

  26. Kyle Edward Kuthe

  27. Maya Yasha Kuthe​

  28. Jennifer Vicky Levasseur

  29. Darin M.

  30. Lucas McKeown

  31. Karen Mukamal

  32. Shiva N.

  33. Maïka Nadon

  34. Lara Raca

  35. Ryleigh Rioux

  36. Harmony Selman

  37. Angela Smith

  38. Mark Van-Seters

  39. Aiden Sunderland

  40. Zac Walker​​

Our Executive Team's Personal Associations

The following organizations have inspired our methodological frame works and missions, and values.

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Thank You for Your Interest!

All website writing and projects are managed by Kyle Edward Kuthe and reviewed by Maryann Anastasakos and Ariane Blouin.

© 2025 Anthropocene Advocacy Through Art and Sciences Asssociation. All rights reserved.

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