Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA) staff member Mary-Lee Watts is one of the most resilient, strongest and determined people you’ll ever meet. 

Growing up in Gingolx, Mary-Lee loved to preserve fish, clams, halibut, and oolican  with her mother, Rose.

“She really taught so much about our traditional foods,” said Mary-Lee

Rose got her thinking a lot about becoming a cook. However, at just 21, Mary-Lee’s whole life was put on hold when she was in a plane crash near Prince Rupert.  Adding to the ordeal, she was five months pregnant at the time.

“The whole accident happened so fast. I didn’t have time to think about it,” said Mary-Lee.

Mary-Lee and her unborn baby survived.  However, tragically two passengers died immediately and another succumbed to their injuries shortly after.  

Still, Mary-Lee sustained serious injuries. She moved back to Gingolx so her family could help her on her long road back to recovery.  The accident changed her outlook on life.

“The accident really taught me not to take anything for granted. It also made me realize that your life can change forever in just a split second,”  said Mary-Lee.

Due to the crash, Mary-Lee had to overcome a lot of obstacles. However, as she overcame each one, she grew stronger, more determined, and more resilient.

After fully recovering, Mary-Lee was ready to pursue her cooking career. She completed a basic cooking course in Gingolx. Since she finds Asian food delicious and flavorful, she also decided to complete an Asian cooking course in Vancouver.

“Over the course of the classes, I became much more positive, open minded and adaptable. These are the traits of a successful chef,” said Mary-Lee.

She got her big break when she was the successful applicant for a camp cook job at a mine near Stewart. She worked at the camp for four weeks straight, went home to Gingolx for two weeks, and then traveled back to camp to start her next shift. 

“After a while, the people at the camp became my family,” said Mary-Lee.

After seven years, Mary-Lee made the decision to spend more time at home. She began looking for jobs in the valley, applied for a Health Care Aide Program (HCAP) Admin Assistant job with NVHA, and was the successful applicant.

In her role, Mary-Lee performs administrative tasks, keeps the program’s finances in check and supports the HCAP students throughout their academic endeavor. 

Mary-Lee loves helping Nisga’a youth achieve their dream of working in the health care industry.

“I really like my job. I keep in touch with my students daily. I swear I’m their number one supporter,” said Mary-Lee.

In her spare time, Mary-Lee loves cooking; she enjoys making General Tso’s Chicken, Singapore noodles and steam garlic ribs the most, and many other dishes. She also enjoys spending time with her three children and grandchild.

Mary-Lee’s ancestral name is Maakskwguum Tx’oox and she’s from the wilp of Axdii Wil luugooda.