Leaders in Forestry: Clayton Charleyboy

Clayton Charleyboy, Director of CCR and Tšideldel First Nation

Roots of a forestry leader

Clayton Charleyboy’s connection to the land runs deep. Raised in the Tšilhqot’in Nation, he grew up immersed in the values of stewardship and responsibility. From an early age, he witnessed how his community relied on the forest not just for economic survival but for cultural identity and resilience. Those early lessons continue to shape his approach to leadership today.

"Our communities have always been stewards of the land," Clayton Charleyboy, Director of CCR and Councillor of Tšideldel First Nation, says. "Forestry isn’t just a job; it’s part of who we are."

Insight from a Forestry Leader

Q: What’s your current role at Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd., and what does a day in your boots look like?

Clayton: I was appointed to the Board of Directors for Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) by the Tŝideldel First Nation Chief and Council. As an Executive Director, I support by providing strategic guidance and helping shape the organization’s direction. We meet monthly with the management and operations teams to review safety, operations, financials, and areas essential to CCR’s ongoing success.

Q: CCR works in some pretty challenging conditions. Which CCR project or initiative stands out as one you’re especially proud of, and why?

Clayton: One of the most significant projects we’re working on right now is the 2 Billion Trees program with the Government of Canada. CCR successfully secured $44 million in funding over seven years to reforest areas that wouldn’t otherwise be replanted. It’s a major achievement and one I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

Q: CCR is guided by strong values like Stewardship, Collaboration, Resilience, Sustainability, and Indigenous Leadership. If you had to pick one that resonates most with you, which would it be?

Clayton: Indigenous Leadership. Our Board of Directors and Executive Director are all Tšilhqot'in members and represent three of the six bands within the Nation. All have extensive forestry backgrounds and bring years of expertise to the table, and it’s something that truly sets CCR apart from most companies in the industry.

Q: Did you ever imagine forestry would be such a critical part of climate action and community resilience?

Clayton: I have been in the industry for 30 years, and we have experienced increased wildfire intensity in the past few years. Only in the past few years has there been a focus on wildfire resilience and protecting our communities.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about forestry’s role in protecting communities and ecosystems?

Clayton: Our communities are located in a rural area of the province, and we are surrounded by forests. Wildfire and forest health have always been our responsibility as stewards of the land. Today, we’re combining Tŝilhqot’in knowledge with modern forestry practices to help strengthen wildfire resilience and protect ecosystems.

Q: In your experience, what is one major difference that CCR creates in the forestry industry that you don’t see happening elsewhere?

Clayton: In our region, there was no wildfire salvage beyond sawlogs. We are now utilizing fibre for biomass products that would normally be left to rot. That’s a huge shift and a clear example of CCR’s innovative approach.

Q: Where do you see opportunities for the future of forestry, and what role do you think CCR will play in shaping that future?

Clayton: There are real opportunities to use fibre from low-value or fire-damaged forests for biomass products. CCR is well-positioned to lead in this space, turning what was once seen as waste into a valuable resource.

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

Clayton: There have been communities that have avoided loss due to wildfire risk reduction initiatives, so I see the value of conducting these activities. It’s preventative work that makes a real difference.

Lessons from forest