Ricky-Lee Watts

Model & Actor

Ricky-Lee Watts is a Nuučanuł, Hupačasath model, speaker, and creative from Port Alberni, Canada. Since beginning his modelling career in 2021, he has been featured in international campaigns for Specsavers, Bank of America, and ICBC, while walking for over 30 Indigenous designers across Turtle Island (North America).

The runway has become a platform for cultural celebration and expression, where Ricky-Lee embodies movement as medicine—walking in honour of his ancestors and in reverence for Indigenous creativity, innovation, and beauty.

Representation matters.

A reflection after walking the runway:

Representation matters. It’s a gift to wear creations from Indigenous designers I admire deeply—bringing art to life through movement, story, and ancestral memory. We are all part of the living fabric. Through fashion, I honour that interconnectedness.

Designers Walked For:

Santa Fe Indian Market, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW), Santa Fe Native Fashion Week.
Notables include: Yolonda Skelton, Lauren Good Day, Korina Emmerich, Himikalas (Pam Baker), Copper Canoe Woman, HstoryMkrs, Osamuskwasis, Lesley Hampton, Jennifer Younger, Cheryl Fennell, and many more.

Shows & Events:

Santa Fe SWAIA Fashion Show (2021–2025)
VIFW (2022–2024)
Vancouver Art Gallery: Fashion Fictions Exhibit (2023–24)
Pendulum Arts Umbrella Show (2024)
TOC Herstory Fashion Show (2022)

Campaigns & Editorial Features:

Bank of America: “Project Grow” (2025)
ICBC: “Project Balance” Campaign (2024–2025)
Specsavers (UK & Canada): That’s Specsavers’ Love” (2022–2024)
“Super Natural” Editorial (Slice Vancouver / Marika Magazine) (2022)
Totem Design House (2023)
University of Victoria Covers (2012, 2015, 2016)

Special Skills & Experience:

On-Camera Presence: Trained in commercial and editorial performance
Movement Disciplines: Dance, yoga, breathwork, freediving, surfing, running, climbing, improv
Spoken Languages: Conversational Spanish; fluent in public speaking
Global Experience: 2+ years backpacking, 20 countries (Southeast Asia, Central America, Europe)
Certifications: PADI Advanced Diver, Emotional Intelligence (Harvard)
Former: Manager of $3M Youth Program, Elected Leader, Professional Gamer

Also a motivational speaker and facilitator, Ricky-Lee brings integrity, leadership, and lived wisdom to every collaboration.