Indigenous Model, Speaker, and Facilitator
Ricky-Lee Watts (Aamiitlaa) is named after his late father and is Hupačasath Nuučaan̓uł through his mother. He is a first-generation University graduate, passionate dreamer, traveler, motivational speaker, and visionary leader.
Experienced in working with Indigenous communities, universities, and government, he oversees Generation Power at Indigenous Clean Energy, an Indigenous youth clean energy and career training programme. He is also an elected councillor for his nation and models with SuperNaturals Modelling, an Indigenous agency.
Living a life of interconnectedness and intentionality, Ricky-Lee's vision inspires values of ʔiisaak and hišukʔiš c̓awaak — respect for all creation having a common origin and that everything is one.
Youth Climate Activist
“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.
Current Involvements :
Councillor,
Hupač̓asatḥ First Nation
“I'm humbled, honoured, and grateful to serve in a role of leadership for Hupač̓asatḥ. I do my best to lead with integrity, humility, courage, wisdom, and experience. Honouring our ancestors of the past, current, and future ancestors to be, I look forward to growing together and to our bright future ahead.”
Motivational Speaker, TakingITGlobal
“I've done things in my life I never believed to be possible. As I’ve grown, I'm humbled and grateful for all of my experiences. Through sharing my story, I have connected with hundreds of young people in hopes of motivating and inspiring them by being the role model I needed when I was younger.”
Model, Supernaturals Modelling
“As a young boy, I grew up with the influences of media, art, culture, science, and more, with an eager curiosity to learn about the world around me. One of those lessons I came to more fully understand later in life, yet, felt so deeply in my heart at an early age, is the importance of representation.
Honouring my ancestors, I represent my family, community, Nuučanuł, and all kin I’m connected to.
The young boy I once was would now look onward in awe. I am the role model I wished I had when I was younger. #representationmatters”
What People Are Saying
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I first met Ricky-Lee while in Haida Gwaii at a community gathering where the youth worker spoke highly of his inspiring presence and approach as a motivational speaker and facilitator. We quickly invited him to a session with Connected North where he was captivated by the opportunity to contribute to supporting the learning experiences of Indigenous students in remote communities. As one of our Content Providers, Ricky-Lee is sought out as a role model who offers genuine reflections on lessons from his leadership journey. His kind and caring approach in all of his interactions offers a welcoming atmosphere for all participants he works with. He is courageous in his life path, willing to embrace new adventures with a sense of openness and enthusiasm.
Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director with TakingITGlobal
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Working with Ricky-Lee as a model for our That’s Specsavers Love marketing campaign was an absolute pleasure. Ricky-Lee is not only a talented professional, he also brings a positive attitude to every interaction he has. He cares deeply about building community which was made clear in the way he has engaged with our team. We’re lucky to have him represent our brand as we launch in Canada!
Catherine Walsh, Marketing Director with Specsavers
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I'm humbled by Ricky-Lee's respect, humility, and the way he presents himself. I may be an old lady, but I am learning a lot from him. He has really good energy, that will move mountains. It's work like yours that sparks interest, instills hope, let's people know they're worthy, and have the ability to make change.
Tracy Zweifel, Executive Director with Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association
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Ricky-Lee is a real leader whom I have witnessed lead diverse groups to success in administrative, strategic, and emotional tasks. He has a rare combination of intelligences that allow him to build teams toward common objectives with honesty, tact, and compassion.
Nigel Moore, Project Manager with Barkley Project Group
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Ricky-Lee is an excellent example of someone that I asipire to be and an excellent role model for all my employees.
Michael Ross, Industrial Research Chair with Yukon University
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With so many difficult emotions that need feeling in the work of reconciliation, Ricky-Lee's presence is deeply grounding and supportive
Chris Howe, Lead Operating Officer with Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium
