Rangers of the Lost Park

Today’s very special guest is one that many of you may recognize: Charles F. Sams III, who goes by Chuck Sams, is well-renowned in the park ranger community. Chuck is Cayuse, Walla Walla and is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Northeast Oregon, where he grew up. Famously known as the first Indigenous Director of the National Park Service, Chuck served in this important role from 2021 to 2025.

We speak with Chuck about Land Back, the Rights of Nature, what it means to be a good leader, National Parks and park rangers, and more! Chuck shares many words of wisdom and is just a kind-heartened human we appreciate dearly. He even shares not one but three bear encounter stories! We hope you enjoy.

Read more about Chuck Sams as the 19th Director of the National Park Service: NPS.
Watch the Central Oregon LandWatch Livable Future Forum with Chuck Sams here: YouTube.
Watch Chuck Sams' message to rangers on Instagram: @resistancerangers.

Follow Chuck Sams on Instagram: @chassams.

Read about the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation getting 900 acres of land back: Native News Online.

Follow ROTLP on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.
Follow ROTLP on TikTok: @rangersofthelostpark.

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