Rayle Heinzig is a Choctaw and Cherokee Bison and Indigenous ecology expert, currently serving as a project manager for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Bison Project. Growing up exploring the mountains and woods of rural southeastern Oklahoma, Rayle developed a deep appreciation for land stewardship through lessons passed down by her grandparents and community members.
Rayle pursued Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, focusing research on Indigenous ecology and the interconnected relationships between land, wildlife, and culture. Bringing both academic knowledge and cultural insight, Rayle is dedicated to promoting sustainable Bison management practices that align with Indigenous values.
Outside of work, Rayle enjoys reading, painting, playing with her ferrets, and sharing traditional skills through teaching basket weaving. Her passion for preserving cultural knowledge and fostering environmental stewardship guides both her professional work and personal life.