Ricky-Lee Watts is Hupačasath, Nuu-chah-nulth on his mother’s side, and his father’s
ancestry is a mystery. He was born and raised in Port Alberni, and now has lived the
past seven years in Lekwungen territory (Victoria) where he received his Bachelor of
Science in Psychology at the University of Victoria while working in multiple roles at the
University such as Indigenous Student recruiter. Thereafter, he began the Indigenous
Youth Internship Program and worked with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations &
Reconciliation, and later lived in Haida Gwaii for three months while working with
the Council of the Haida Nation.

Ricky-Lee is very passionate in the work he pursues and leads with determination,
humility, and gratitude in embracing life experiences for learning and growth.
Expressing gratitude for life, he believes the world is full of beauty. Embracing many
meaningful work experiences, self-initiated events, speaking engagements, and
traveling opportunities already, he is excited to see what each day brings.

While accumulating new experiences, he has both a strong desire to enhance people’s
opportunities for learning and growth, and engaging towards a life of interdependence
and fullness. One of the ways he expands upon this desire is by helping communities
and young people through storytelling and workshops. Part of his personal mission is to
connect with people inspiring them to explore their gifts, strengths, potential, and to be
the role model he wish he had when he was younger. His vision is one that aspires to
inspire values of iisak and hishuk ish tsawalk; values, which signify love and respect for
self, other people, and our environment, and that on this earth we are all one.