Who we are
My name is Ryan Spencer. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation with German and Irish ancestry. I grew up among the redwood forests of Northern California where camping, hiking, and visiting wild places were regular pastimes for my family. From an early age, I felt most connected to myself and to Spirit when I was in nature.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and have spent more than twenty years working in environmental education, conservation, and interpretation. Much of that time was spent with California State Parks, where I led guided walks, campfire talks, and interpretive signs and graphics that helped people connect with the natural and cultural stories of the places they visited. I have also coordinated conservation education programs with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, conducted salmon spawning surveys the streams of Southern Washington, and mentored the next generation of environmental educators.
I care deeply about helping people build meaningful relationships with the more-than-human world. Through Atsina Outside, I bring together my experience as a naturalist guide, educator, and storyteller to create experiences that are informative, restorative, and grounded in a spirit of reciprocity.
In addition to leading Atsina Outside, I work as a guide for a local touring company and serve on the council of a Portland-area Cherokees at-large community. I am also a musician, videographer, and artist. You can some of my works below.
Testimonials
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Atsina Outside 