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.

Elana Wallace, from the Líl̓wat Nation, joined the crew almost two years ago and now works as a Junior Saw Labourer.

Interesting Facts

• Elana began working with LFV when she was 18, joining soon after finishing high school.
• This past summer, she passed her fitness test for firefighting, completing eight laps in under 30 minutes while carrying 25 pounds in her back.
• In the future, Elana hopes to attend BCIT to get her Forestry Technician Diploma, just like her grandfather, Jordon Gabriel, did.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role with LFV?

My name is Elana Wallace, I am 20 and I grew up here in Mount Currie. I graduated from high school two years ago, and soon after that, I began working for LFV. Currently, I am working as a Junior Saw Labourer, but I also do a bit of surveying, tree planting, and firefighting.

It seems like you do a bit of everything and have so much experience already. How did you get started in forestry?

I grew up surrounded by people who worked in the industry and during high school I became more interested in pursuing that as a career. I also love being outdoors, so forestry seemed like a great fit.

Before I began working here, I did a course with Stillwater Consulting, which covered a lot of material for this role. It included basic saw training like maintenance and safety, as well as an introduction to surveying and Basic Fire Suppression and Safety and Fire Entrapment and Avoidance Safety courses for wildland firefighting.

Do you have any plans for the future in terms of furthering your education?

Yes, I am looking into getting into BCIT to get a Forestry Technician Diploma. After that, I want to return to the Nation and continue working for LFV. I was also thinking about doing some degree focused on biology as well, but I am not entirely sure yet. I am excited for what the future holds regardless!

Can you share a bit about the work you’ve been doing for the Old Growth Trial project?

For sure! We have been going out all over the Nation’s territory, looking around different plots to collect data from the trees. Essentially, the end goal is to be able to better manage old-growth forests, as these provide unique habitats and hold a lot of important cultural values for the Nation. I am fairly new to this project but excited to see what we find and where we go from there.

What do you enjoy the most about your job here?

Probably being outside in the forests. It is also very nice to learn from all the other guys on the crew and what they do; they have all been very fun to work with.

Can you tell us about any big accomplishment(s) you’ve had over the course of your career?

Yes, recently, during the summer, I passed my fitness test for firefighting. We had to run around the track at the school, and it was about eight laps under a half hour with 25 pounds on your back. I did some training to prepare, but that has been a great accomplishment for me.

That’s very impressive, congratulations! Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

I play soccer and ultimate frisbee, which I began playing in high school. I enjoy working within a team, so these two sports are the most fun to me.

With only two years of experience as a 20-year-old, Elana is truly an inspiration not only to the LFV team but to other women in forestry. Her passion for the industry and constant desire to learn are evident in everything she does. While her journey with LFV is just getting started, it is clear that she has already made a positive impact on the community.