Leaders in Forestry: Anthony Billyboy

Rooted in the Land

For Anthony Billyboy, forestry is both a livelihood and a lifelong connection to the land. As a Director with Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) and an Elected Councillor of Yunesit’in First Nation, his leadership is guided by firsthand experience, community values, and a deep respect for the forests that sustain his people.

Anthony’s early years shaped his relationship with forestry. “I started working with my parents and family doing silviculture work around the Chilcotin, tree spacing, brush cutting and from there, it always seemed like I was working with our forest in one way or another,” he recalls. “From firefighting to working in the mills in Williams Lake, the forest has always been a part of my life.”

Today, Anthony brings that same sense of purpose to his roles as a CCR Board Director and Manager of the Yunesit’in Development Enterprise (YDE). “A day in my boots is busy,” he says with a smile. “I’m responding to emails, coordinating crews, and in meetings for current or upcoming work. There’s always something happening, but it’s good work.” His focus has always been the same: building opportunities while caring for the forest that sustains them.

Q. CCR works in some challenging conditions. Which project or initiative stands out to you the most, and why? 

Anthony: I’m really proud of CCR’s involvement in tree planting around the Chilcotin. Including our survey crews in this work has given them a chance to explore more of our countryside and be part of something meaningful.

Q. CCR is guided by strong values like Stewardship, Collaboration, Resilience, Sustainability, and Indigenous Leadership. Which of these values resonates most with you? 

Anthony: For me, Indigenous Leadership and Collaboration. CCR is strong in both. The collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous companies is what helps us grow and work better together.

Q. Did you always imagine forestry would play such a key role in climate action and community resilience? 

Anthony: Yes, in a way, I always knew it was critical. Forestry has always been connected to the community. In the past, there was conflict between logging industries and First Nations; now, we’re working together on better practices and forest health. We’ve come a long way, and CCR is helping lead that change.

Q. What’s one major difference you see CCR creating in the forestry industry that you don’t see elsewhere? 

Anthony: CCR is creating large-scale forest rehabilitation projects within our traditional territories. We’re showing what it means to manage the land responsibly, not just use it.

Q. Looking to the future, where do you see opportunities in forestry, and what role do you think CCR will play? 

Anthony: I think CCR will continue to lead the way, maybe in the tree planting sector or through cultural burning. Those are areas where traditional knowledge and modern forestry can come together to make a big difference.

Q. What have you learned from wildfire risk reduction initiatives? 

Anthony: I’ve learned how much thought goes into it and what it brings to everyone — healing, employment, and environmental recovery. It’s not just about fire prevention; it’s about healing the land for generations to come.

Final Takeaway:

The support we get from CCR is incredible. I hope I leave behind the same support and gratitude they’ve shown me.