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.
Leon Williams, a Field Supervisor with LFV, is a key member of our team that helps keep our community and landscape safe from wildfires.
Interesting Facts
- Leon began working in the forestry industry after graduating from high school in 2005.
- He worked in the construction industry for almost a decade.
- Leon has been through the Certified Utility Arborist (CUA) program and is close to being signed off as fully certified.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in the forest industry?
Absolutely. I’m a proud member of the Líl̓wat Nation, and I’ve had a longstanding interest in natural resource management. From a young age, I was aware of the impacts of logging and land use, and I hoped to see these practices evolve to become more sustainable and ecologically responsible. Today, through my work in the forestry industry, I’m able to support that shift, even in a small but meaningful way.
What is your current role at LFV, and how long have you been working here?
I have been involved in the forestry industry on and off since graduating from Xet̓ólacw Community School in 2005. My career with LFV began that same year, back when it was still Creekside Resources. In the mid-2000s, I also gained valuable experience working with the BC Wildfire Service before spending nearly a decade in the construction industry.
I returned to the forestry industry with LFV in early 2017. During this time, I completed the Certified Utility Arborist program and am now nearing full certification. Over the years, I’ve climbed the ranks through various roles and currently serve in a supervisory capacity, overseeing multiple crews and managing a variety of projects.
That’s impressive! Can you tell us more about these projects and why they are so important to you?
Most recently, I’ve been overseeing fuels management projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk to nearby communities. This work is especially meaningful to me because it allows me to play a direct role in protecting both people and the landscapes they call home. It’s also a way to help address the impacts of some historical forestry practices that may be contributing to today’s extreme wildfire behavior. In addition, I manage and support projects involving heavy equipment operations—a part of the job I find both challenging and rewarding.
What do you enjoy the most about your role here?
What I enjoy most about working with LFV are the opportunities for growth and continuous learning the company provides. The ongoing training and development are something I genuinely value. I enjoy expanding my knowledge and gaining new perspectives on the forestry sector. I have the privilege of working alongside a diverse group of professionals from across the industry, each of whom brings unique insights and experiences. Being part of LFV during such an exciting period of growth has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to grow with the company in the years ahead.
That’s great to hear! Outside of work, what are some hobbies that you enjoy?
Outside of work, I’m very family oriented. My partner and I, along with our two young kids, are gradually building our own little homestead, which has been both a rewarding and grounding experience. As a family, we spend a lot of time outdoors—mountain biking and hiking throughout the spring, summer, and fall, and enjoying skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb during the winter months. Sharing these activities together not only keeps us active but also strengthens our connection to nature and to each other.
Thank you, Leon, for your commitment to sustainable forest management and wildfire mitigation! Your commitment to growth and passion for continuous learning inspire us all.