About Ricky-Lee

Ricky-Lee Watts (Aamiitlaa) is Nuučanuł from the Huupačasath First Nation. He grew up on Vancouver Island, in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, and has since lived and travelled in many communities globally.

As a first-generation University graduate, traveler, and passionate dreamer, Ricky-Lee embraces life with curiosity, humility, and courage. He catalyzes growth and radiates vibrancy, inspiring confidence, connection, and hope through speaking, facilitating, and coaching.

Ricky-Lee is a Supernaturals Model with the world's first and only all-Indigenous modelling agency. He works with communities, universities, and government, speaking at conferences and with TakingITGlobal.

In recent years, Ricky-Lee created Generation Power, a national Indigenous capacity-building program, served as an elected councillor for his nation, and was recognized as a 2023/24 NDN Collective Changemaker.

Ricky-Lee’s vision embodies the Nuučanuł values of ʔiisaak and hišukʔiš c̓awaak — respect for all creation having a common origin and that everything is one. He empowers people to connect, finding beauty within themselves, their communities, and their world.

In the face of hardship, Ricky-Lee became the role model he dreamed of. Through growing endeavours and community, Ricky-Lee instills belief in what is possible, breathing life and energy into our world and inspiring hope for our future.

Ricky-Lee is a breath of fresh air, breathing life and energy into our world and inspiring hope for our future.

Honouring my ancestors, I represent my family, community, Nuučanuł, and all kin I’m connected to.

Ricky-Lee’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery. Rising above a childhood of trauma, loss, parental substance abuse, and a disconnect from identity through a societal attitude of ‘Indigenous people don’t matter,’ today; he stands strong as an inspiring leader.

Rooted in self-discovery, appreciation of heritage, and connection to nature, Ricky-Lee has harnessed his negative experiences to create beauty from pain.

For many years, Ricky-Lee has been a conduit of understanding between Indigenous people, the government and the wider community. Having held roles as an elected councillor and as a leader in government initiatives to connect Indigenous youth with employers, he has extensive lived experience in leadership. He has translated this into his work with individuals, where Ricky-Lee continues to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

As an Indigenous person, Ricky-Lee embodies an inner calm and a clear purpose: to help others navigate their struggles and heal from their past to discover their inherent power. Guided by his growth and unwavering commitment, Ricky-Lee serves as a light for Indigenous people and those seeking greater meaning, illuminating a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Ricky-Lee’s teachings go beyond surface-level healing; they delve deep into the core of one’s being, fostering a transformation encompassing mind, body, and spirit. With his compassionate presence and genuine care for others, Ricky-Lee instills hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose in those he guides.

Through Ricky-Lee’s transformative approach, young people are given the tools to reclaim their power, grow through life experiences, and embody their authentic selves. With his guidance, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating a life filled with joy, meaning, and the freedom to embrace their true essence.

Speaking Highlights

Keynote Speaker and Panelist with:

Natural History Museum of London. Clean Energy BC. Pollution Probe. ACTUA. Indigenous Clean Energy. Assembly of First Nations. Indigenous Connectivity Institute. Let's Talk Science. 2021-23.
BC Public Service Agency. Provincial Government of BC. Métis Nation BC. First Nations Youth Council of BC. BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. BC Assembly of First Nations. Northwest Association of College and University Housing Officers. Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation. Lake Babine Nation. Universities Canada. University of Victoria. Vancouver City Planning Commission. Social Media Camp. Indigenous Clean Energy. McGill University. VIDEA. BC Provincial Health Services Authority. Western University. Simon Fraser University. Aboriginal Housing Management Association. 2017-21

As of March 2025: 20 Keynotes, 16 Panels, 70 Workshops

Ship for World Youth (2023):
Ship for World Youth (SWY34), “一生に一度の出会い” Once in a lifetime meeting.

160 people from 11 countries (Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Oman, Peru, Poland, South Africa, and Sweden 🇦🇺🇧🇭🇧🇷🇨🇦🇯🇵🇲🇽🇴🇲🇵🇪🇵🇱🇿🇦🇸🇪). United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and an international exchange of cultures, ideas, feelings, and connections.

Together, we have all experienced and felt so much. Our journeys are forever bonded as we share unforgettable memories and continue cultivating communities like the one we created here. Let us continue learning, growing, loving, and realizing a more interconnected world. 🌎

Assembly of First Nations (2022):
Keynote Speaker, Moderator, and Panelist at AFN Climate Gathering.

“Considering the state of our world right now: the global pandemic, the climate crisis, and socioeconomic inequity, Indigenous worldviews are crucial to an equitable and sustainable future for all."

Believe in Beauty (2021):
In Believe in Beauty, Ricky-Lee Watts’s emergence to heal beyond pain, heaviness, and darkness by channelling his hardships into transformational growth is an inspiration.

Ricky-Lee quickly learned that stories are essential to hear and witness and that celebrating a story is paramount, especially when it is hard because truth allows us to see the world with open eyes.

By opening up to his pain and vulnerability, Ricky-Lee finds the interconnectedness with beauty and that learning to thrive beyond survival is possible.

- Motivational Speaker & Content Provider | TakingITGlobal | 2018 – present
- Councillor | Hupačasath First Nation | 2021-23
- Program Manager | Indigenous Clean Energy | 2020-22
- Project Coordinator | Provincial Health Services Authority, Indigenous Wellness | 2018-19
- Indigenous Youth Internship Program | Council of the Haida Nation, Haida Ocean Technical Team |2018
- Policy Analyst | Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, Community & Social Innovation Branch | 2017-18
- Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer | University of Victoria, Student Recruitment & Global Engagement | 2016-17
- Support Worker. Victoria Native Friendship Centre. 2014.
- LE'NONET Intern & Project Coordinator. Hupačasath First Nation. 2014.
- Health & Wellness Community Leader. Student Caller. Program Assistant. Campus Cousin Lead. Tour Guide. University of Victoria. 2012-16
Follow Ricky-Lee on LinkedIn for his full CV and experience.
- Council Member | NATOA Youth Council | 2020-22
- Contributor | Global Collective for Indigenous Adolescent Health and Evidence-Based Action | 2018-22
- Youth Co-Chair | Canada-Australia Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Collaboration | 2018-22
- British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. 2014-18.
- Mental Health Task Force. Residence Dining Advisory committee. Alumni Relations & Vikes Athletics Ambassador. Psychology Peer Coach. Orientation & Recruitment Leader. Student Blogger. University of Victoria. 2013-16.