An Interview With LFV Technician Hayden Leo

Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. (LFV) is a leading forestry management corporation within the Líl̓wat Nation in Mount Currie, British Columbia. As we continue to grow, we are excited to introduce our dedicated team members who help us manage one of the Nation’s most precious resources while upholding our commitment to community safety.

Hayden Leo, from the Líl̓wat Nation, is one of the people behind LFV’s success. As a Forestry Technician with over a decade of experience, he has been able to work on meaningful projects that are helping build a strong foundation for a sustainable community.

Interesting Facts:

• Hayden’s career in forestry started with a passion in high school and his first introduction to forests was through firefighting.
• Early in his career at LFV, he developed safety tailboards and staff check-ins to ensure not just productivity but also the safety of his team, highlighting his commitment to community safety.
• Hayden played a crucial role in the Q̓welq̓welústen/Mount Meager Landslide Restoration project that led LFV to be a finalist at the BC Real Estate Foundation 2024 Land Awards.

We chatted with Hayden to learn more about his role at LFV and the important projects they are leading to help build a strong foundation for a sustainable community.

Can you tell us about your role at LFV?

I’m a Forestry Technician at LFV, and I’ve been with the company for about 11 years now. My role involves supervising various projects and handling technical aspects like contracts and budgets related to forestry operations.

Seems like you’ve had a lot of experience so far. Can you tell us more about your academic background?

I’ve been completing my education in forestry ever since I started working for LFV. I completed a Silviculture Survey Accreditation program and went further to complete my diploma in Forestry at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. I’m currently going to school at the University of Northern British Columbia for my degree and I am hoping to finish this year.

That sounds great! What would you say inspired you to pursue a career in forestry?

Growing up in places like Skatin, Samahquam, and Mount Currie in British Columbia, I always felt a strong connection to the woods and the outdoors. When my cousin asked me to join him in firefighting, I did not hesitate and though it was the perfect opportunity to align my career with my passion.

Can you describe your journey with LFV?

My first firefighting season was in 2013, and I have been working for LFV for most of that time either seasonally or full-time.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects with LFV. Early into my time here, I became a supervisor and with that, my focus was mainly to get as much work done in as an efficient way as possible, while taking care of the people. Recently we have been doing things that are very innovative for the company and the forestry sector in general, and one such project, the restoration work in the Capricorn Slide and Burn Areas near Mount Meager, has won us second place at the 2024 Land Awards.  This recognition is incredibly meaningful and important because it makes me feel like I’m making a difference within the Nation, and it feels good to be acknowledged by other groups.

With over a decade of work experience, what aspects of your job do you still find most fulfilling?

One of the things that I enjoy most are the challenges that come with my role. When I was younger, I always liked to push myself physically and see how much production I could get done in a day. But now that I’m older, I like figuring out solutions to the many different projects that LFV has, as well as finding new ones to work on. Being part of a supportive team that values safety and efficiency makes it a rewarding environment to work in as well.

Outside of work, do you have any hobbies?

Outside of work, I indulge in a variety of hobbies like downhill biking, snowboarding, and hiking. I also enjoy quieter activities such as reading books, comics, and playing video games. Balancing these interests helps me stay refreshed and motivated in both my personal and professional life.

Reflecting on your time with LFV and the work you do, what are you most looking forward to?

My journey with LFV has been incredibly rewarding. It has been a great place to grow and learn about the myriad of jobs that forestry has to offer. I’m looking forward to keep working on planning projects that will generate revenue in the community and help build capacity within the Nation. Recently, with the help of Clearcourse and the Qwalimak Farm, we have applied for funding to build some green houses that will make a huge impact on the future of tree farming in our community. It’s a multi-million-dollar proposal that we are hoping to find out about in the next couple of months. I’m also hoping to build a school program that would be accredited and create future forest technicians in the community, and while that project is still in the works, I’m excited for the future.

Hayden’s dedication and passion for forestry are evident in everything he does. His journey with LFV highlights his commitment to sustainable forestry practices and his desire to contribute positively to his community. As a key member of the LFV team, he continues to inspire others with his hard work, determination, and innovative spirit.