Ricko DeWilde, a name synonymous with the rugged Alaskan wilderness and indigenous resilience, has captured global attention through his role on National Geographic's acclaimed series, Life Below Zero. Born into the Koyukon Athabascan culture, his journey from a remote cabin to television screens is a powerful narrative of tradition, survival, and advocacy.
Roots in the Alaskan Bush: Early Life and Family
Ricko DeWilde entered the world on July 4, 1975, in Huslia, Alaska. He spent his formative years in an environment far removed from modern conveniences, growing up in a remote cabin approximately 40 miles from the nearest village. His mother, Amelia DeWilde, was a native Koyukon Athabascan, while his father, Lloyd DeWilde, was of Welsh descent from San Francisco.
DeWilde was one of 14 children, raised in a lifestyle deeply connected to the land. The family's survival depended on traditional subsistence practices like hunting, fishing, and trapping. Education was not found in a classroom for most of his youth; he was homeschooled in the wilderness, only attending a public school for his senior year of high school.
Building a Career: Television, Entrepreneurship, and Activism
Ricko DeWilde's path to fame began when he joined the cast of Life Below Zero in November 2018. The show provided a platform to showcase the authentic Athabascan subsistence lifestyle, featuring his skills in moose hunting, trapping, and maintaining a life in the harsh bush. His authenticity resonated with audiences, leading to over 100 episode appearances and a role in the spinoff, Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, in 2022.
Beyond television, DeWilde is a dedicated entrepreneur. He founded HYDZ Gear (Hydz Apparel), a clothing company that blends contemporary style with traditional Native designs. The brand holds significant popularity among Alaska Native youth and is a staple at cultural gatherings like the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention.
His voice extends strongly into activism. DeWilde is a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights, having been a prominent supporter of the Fairbanks Four, a group wrongfully convicted of murder. He actively uses his platform to address injustices within the judicial system and to oppose industrial projects, such as the Ambler Road, that threaten ancestral lands and traditional ways of life.
Personal Life: Relationship, Children, and Challenges
While Ricko DeWilde maintains a public profile, details of his personal life are guarded. He is reportedly in a long-term relationship with Rona Vent, though their marital status remains unconfirmed. The couple shares five children: daughters Simone, Skarlett Haze, and Maya Denae, and sons Skyler Blue and Keenan Nulitna. His family life is occasionally featured on his show and social media, highlighting the intergenerational passing of cultural knowledge.
DeWilde's journey has not been without struggle. After relocating from the bush to the city, he faced battles with addiction and served a two-year prison sentence on possession charges, a period he has acknowledged as part of his life's challenges and growth.
Today, at 50 years old, Ricko DeWilde stands as more than a reality TV personality. He is a cultural educator, a successful business owner, and a steadfast guardian of his Koyukon Athabascan heritage. His story is a compelling testament to the strength of indigenous identity in the modern world, inspiring many both within and beyond the borders of Alaska.
