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.

Lance Reno Joe, a Contract Manager for Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures, is one of the key members of our team. With extensive experience in both firefighting and forestry, he is making positive contributions to the Nation.

Interesting Facts

• Lance began working as an Emergency Fire Fighter during high school.
• He had the opportunity to travel to many places around the world for soccer competitions, including England and Mexico.
• Lance was involved with the company long before they changed the name from Creekside Resources Incorporated to Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in the forest industry?

I grew up right here in the Líl̓wat Nation. From a young age, I was interested in firefighting, starting out as an Emergency Fire Fighter while I was still in high school and then continuing after I graduated. I was a crew member on the Salish Nation unit crew for 14 years and then moved to a Crew Leader position for another 16 years on the same crew.

 Would you say firefighting led you to forestry?

Yes, definitely! My interest in forestry first started during those initial years as a firefighter. A few years after high school, I saw postings for forestry training, and I got my name in for this course that was being held right here on the reserve. The next thing you know, I was going to school for my Forest Technician Diploma through BCIT, which was a 2-year program that went through the winter months for three winters. During those years, I was still fighting fires during the summer.

Why did you decide to further your career and take the course?

This course that I took with BCIT was to plan for my future, to make sure I had something else to fall back on if I couldn’t pass the required fitness test each summer. Nowadays, I don’t see myself working in any other career other than forestry.

That’s great to hear! What is your current role at LFV, and how long have you worked here?

I am a currently a Contract Manager for Líl̓watForestry Ventures. What led me here was starting out working as a crew member for some years. Right after the fire season, I would come to work for LFV for 4-5 months and then return to firefighting. I slowly moved up the ladder to Crew Leader for LFV and then to Project Management for several years. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, going back and forth between the two jobs. I am proud to have been involved with this company even before they changed its name from Creekside Resources Incorporated to Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures!

What do you enjoy the most about this role?

I enjoy working with the crews, making the workplace a welcoming space for everyone who wants to try out forestry. Over the years, I have seen many people come in and try it out only to find out it’s not for them, and that is okay.

What would be your advice to those who might be interested in trying out forestry?

I always encourage everyone to try new things. I’ve tried many different jobs over the years that I found out were not for me, but that was me trying to find my place in this world. Forestry got ahold of me and I’m still doing my best to be here, for our company and for the crews out in the field. It takes some adjusting to go from full-time field worker to having to make the time to get the office work done, but it is extremely rewarding.

Outside of work, do you have any other hobbies that you enjoy?

Yes, I spend as much time as possible with my family, either at home or taking them on the road and finding new places to see. While growing up, I did a lot of jogging and bike riding. Soccer was also a huge part of my life.  Many teams were created on the reserve to accommodate all the men who were signing up for a team and it became very competitive. I did do a lot of travelling for soccer and got to see more of the world because of it, going to places like England and Mexico are highlights of that period of my life.

Thank you, Lance, for your positive attitude, leadership, and outstanding service. Your efforts to make crew members feel included and your dedication to the forest industry for over two decades have helped build a strong foundation for a sustainable community.