Nelson, Richard K.

Richard K. Nelson (1 December 1941 — 4 November 2019), also known as "Nels", was an American cultural anthropologist and writer. He grew up living in Wisconsin, receiving his education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison before earning his Ph.D. degree from the University of California. Nelson spent many years living in Interior Alaska with indigenous people, reflected through his work. His work has focused primarily on the indigenous cultures of Alaska and, more generally, the relationships between people and nature. He was the host to a public radio series called Encounters aired nationally. He has been awarded a variety of awards for his commitment to the community as an activist, serving on the Sitka Conservation Society, and for his creativity as both an author and artist. Nelson died in a San Francisco Hospital at the age of 77 from a long-term battle with cancer.