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.

Dmitri Louis, an Apprentice Utility Arborist (UA) with LFV, is a key member of our team who helps ensure trees are properly maintained near energized electrical equipment to safeguard community members and improve our forests’ health.

Interesting Facts

• Dmitri started working in the forestry industry just three days after graduating from Pemberton Secondary School.
• He will return to school in September of 2025 to complete his second-year apprenticeship as a utility arborist.
• Dmitri has a passion for climbing and has been working at LFV for the last four years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you interested in the forest industry?

Sure! My name is Dmitri Louis, and I was raised here in Mount Currie. I became interested in forestry thanks to a summer job with LFV during the 2018-19 season. I also enjoy working outdoors, which seemed like a great fit for this industry.

That’s amazing! Where did you go to school and what is your current role with LFV?

I attended the Electrical Energy Training Group, a trade school in Langley, a year after I graduated from Pemberton Secondary to become an Apprentice Utility Arborist (UA). I started working in forestry just three days after graduation and stuck with it ever since. It has been a blast working here for the last four years – I am so grateful!

Is there anything in particular you love about your job?

So many things! But I think the biggest thing is that I get to work with my buddies every day doing what we love – climbing and running chainsaws. The scenery around here is amazing too; you can’t beat it.

For those that might not know, can you share more about what being a UA involves?

Yes, our role is to assist Utility Arborists in performing tree pruning, which means we remove branches to improve the trees’ health and appearance, but also to ensure they are kept away from power lines and electrical equipment to prevent power outages and remove other potential hazards. We operate specialized equipment like chainsaws and follow safety procedures to do this work.

That’s impressive! What have been some of your biggest accomplishments throughout this time?

I would say that passing my first-year apprenticeship as a UA was one of the biggest achievements so far. It opened a whole new door of new opportunities and allowed me to keep expanding my skills as an arborist, helping me develop safer climbing skills and gain valuable knowledge.

Are you planning on going back to school in the near future?

Yes, I will be going to school for my second year in September 2025. I am looking forward to it!

Outside of work, what are some hobbies that you enjoy?

I love to hang out with friends and family the most. I also like going out to make firewood for, and with, my loved ones.

Thank you, Dmitri, for your great work taking care of our Nation’s forests and making our community safer.