Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures Ltd. (LFV) is a leading forestry management corporation within the Líl̓wat Nation in Mount Currie, British Columbia. As we continue to thrive and 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.
Dr. Tonya Smith is a key member of our team who first worked with LFV ten years ago and passionately aims to support Líl̓wat stewardship of forests for future generations.
Interesting Facts
- Dr. Tonya’s family are 3rd generation Canadians of mixed European ancestry.
- Dr. Tonya pursued a Master of Science at the University of Eastern Finland.
- One of Dr. Tonya’s most recent hobbies includes learning to make firewood.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Tonya and I grew up in British Columbia. I was born in W̱SÁNEĆ territory in Sidney on Vancouver Island. I am a guest in Líl̓wat; I am 3rd generation Canadian of mixed European ancestry. I have a Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems (2008), a Master of Forestry (2015), and a PhD in Forestry from the University of British Columbia (2022). I also studied for a Master of Science at the University of Eastern Finland.
Why were you interested in a career in forestry? How and when did this journey begin for you?
Plants are the most interesting and wonderful things to me—I remember my grandma teaching me to garden when I was 6 years old, and ever since then, I’ve always wanted to learn more. My interest in forestry comes in a big way from what I’ve learned from Lil’wat community members about how to steward forests for future generations. I’ve always loved working in the forest, whether in research mode, being a forestry intern and learning chainsaw skills for fuels thinning, interning in remote bush camps as a student, or simply walking and paying attention to all that’s there. I love to ask questions, and this curiosity is what has led me to my path as a forestry researcher.
That’s amazing to hear! Can you tell us more about your relationship with LFV?
Back in 2015, Jordon Gabriel, LFV, and the Lil’wat Lands Department invited me to work with them on a strategy to protect culturally important plants from forestry activities. We wrote a grant proposal and got some funding to do interviews with Lil’wat Elders and herbalists to document some of their amazing knowledge of plant foods and medicines. Since first arriving in Lil’wat territory, I’ve learned so much from Lil’wat people about their deep connections with the territory, which has been so inspiring and motivating!
Interesting! And what is the current work you are doing with LFV?
Our current work with LFV has to do with safely reintroducing Lil’wat cultural burning to the territory and communicating the benefits of this to government decision-makers and the public. Having the Lil’wat Nation be recognized for their excellent stewardship of their territory is critical to the health and well-being of the land and of everyone.
What has been one of your biggest takeaways from this work?
It was so amazing to see how the wildland firefighters of LFV worked together to do a cultural burn at Tenquille Creek last year! We have already seen areas where fire has made the berries come back much better—bigger plants and juicier berries. We really hope that we can use all this information to focus on the restoration of xusum (soapberry) and other berries. Lil’wat people always did burning before it was made illegal by the BC Government in the late 1800s. It’s so amazing to learn about the knowledge that Lil’wat people have about burning, and I deeply respect people’s willingness to share their knowledge for this purpose.
You are clearly very passionate about your work. What do you enjoy the most about your job/career?
I enjoy learning from those who have so much knowledge and experience in the territory. This type of learning was not available in university, and I really value being able to learn a little of it!
Can you tell us about any big accomplishments you’ve had over the course of your career and the impact it had?
One of the things we accomplished was to plant the seeds for the Lil’wat Community Farm, which was inspired by Chief Dean and accomplished alongside Koskas Billy Dan, Kwiwks Eliza Peters, Xet̓ólacw Community School students, and many others. Another big achievement for me was to work with Jeanie Andrew, Susan Wells, and others to make the Lil’wat Gifts of the Land book.
Outside of work, do you have any hobbies?
Absolutely! My hobbies include gardening, knitting, swimming and, more recently, learning to help make firewood.
Thank you, Dr. Tonya, for your passion and enthusiasm to learn more about Lil’wat people and our Nation. Your help in protecting our forests and educating the public on cultural burning have been invaluable!