our {immense}
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the land
The farm on Mayne Island is one of two potential subject properties in British Columbia situated on unceded territories. It is poised for restoration and will serve as a living example, demonstrating how to rehabilitate the land, which can be replicated elsewhere throughout the province, country, and continent. It will operate with various streams: education and agriculture, which will model a holistic, closed-loop system encompassing tourism, restorative agriculture, food security, technology, climate solutions, and healing. It serves as a hub for where all these aspects converge. This initiative serves as a bridge between traditional indigenous wisdom and modern innovation. It aims to mend the myriad layers of damage inflicted by shortsighted colonial practices—not only to the environment but also to humanity. Tsi Tesakotitsén:tha —The Place That Heals You— stands as a beacon of rejuvenation. It will operate as a functional farm (and ranch on the second property), augmented by extensive innovative indoor and outdoor educational facilities. Here, visitors engage with traditional knowledge, participate in hands-on retreats, and contribute to research on off-grid and green technologies. The land hosts a diversity of medicinal plants, serving humans, animals, and crops alike, and actively engages in local re-wilding and reforestation efforts in partnership with the local conservancy, provincial government, First Nations, and the public at large. Beyond its agricultural and environmental pursuits, it offers therapeutic experiences for individuals and groups. Short and long-term stays provide opportunities to learn about traditional Indigenous ways of knowing, high-tech and low-tech systems, engage in healing modalities, embrace healthy living practices, and cultivate self-sufficiency. 
Our primary objective is to reconnect human beings to the earth & to each other.
Dis-ease is on the rise in our modern societies, despite our supposed medical advances, technology, pharmacology, food availability, higher education, and access to information & resources. Why do happiness and satisfaction seem to be elusive while stress and related issues, like depression and disillusionment, are more prevalent? We offer several (integrated or separate) ways of reconnecting, not only to the earth but to others and your true self. Our farm is a supportive, positive place where we encourage innovation, self-sufficiency, health, sustainability, relaxation, hard work, and lots of laughter! We have year-round lodging that can be as private as you wish, but that can be combined (in varying amounts of participation) with a group retreat, learning about and working with (livestock & organic crops), workshops (e.g., permaculture, cheese-making, yoga & meditation, wood-working etc.), individual & group therapy, farm apprenticeships, research projects and more. { - - scroll down for more info - - } |
who we are"I've had a team working on this over the past few weeks,
and what we've come up with can be reduced to two fundamental concepts. One: People aren't wearing enough hats. Two: Matter is energy. " -- The Meaning of Life, Monty Python The movers say, “Sir, could you offer us some assistance? We are looking for Dog Creek Road near a town called Red Bud.” The old man responds, “well, if I was trying to get to Red Bud, I sure as hell wouldn’t start from here.”
-- Funny Farm, 1988 |
Susheela Kundargi
is the co-owner and general manager of the farm and subsidiary businesses. She has a passion for soil science, gardening and fondness for animals inherited from her father, who was devoted to growing flowers, exotic vegetables, seed-saving, hunting, and fishing, Susheela has always been connected to the cycles of nature. (The name "Susheela" means "good humoured".) a diverse background
David Fierro
(Xa Xa Smanxwt) is the co-owner of the farm and a master drum maker and a respected culture keeper of the Sylix/Okanagan Nation. His meticulously crafted drums are sought after worldwide. On the farm, David focuses on environmental remediation, leveraging his extensive expertise in sustainable practices to ensure the health and vitality of the land. His work includes soil regeneration, water management, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge to create a harmonious balance between farming and nature. a diverse background
When David isn't working on environmental projects or crafting drums, he dedicates his time to nurturing his connection to his cultural roots, hunting, fishing, and working with his hands. His blend of technical skill and cultural connection makes him a valuable asset to both his community and the broader field of sustainable development. David's dedication to environmental stewardship makes him an invaluable asset to our team, enhancing the farm's sustainability and connection to the natural world. |
the farm
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We intend to have x acres of cleared land, natural springs, a barn, group workshop and meeting space, commercial kitchen and meat processing area, chicken coops, greenhouse, farmhouse, farmstay, and rental space .
Livestock: The farm will consist of a couple of heritage breed cow and calf pairs, a couple of dairy goats, a variety of free range hens, a shepherd husky cross named Nymeria (Nym), 3 cats (aka, the Mouse Brigade and their leader, Stanley) and a horse eventually. The ranch will focus on bison as its already established as such. Crops: We like to grow organic wheat, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, specialty veg, hot peppers, onions & garlic, mushrooms, and a large variety of medicinal and culinary herbs. We also have hay pastures, flower gardens, and native plants for rewilding. Orchard: We have a young orchard that consists of apples, peaches, cherries, plums, pears, table and wine grapes, and hope to soon grow olives! We're experimenting with some more exotic fruits in the greenhouse! Value added products: Hides and buckskin, meat, spice mixes (masalas), honey, skin salves, herbal tinctures. Artsy things: We like wood working, drum-making, rattle making, leather working, painting, ceramics, environmental technology and.... oh so many hobbies. Housing: We will have yurts, domes, and dwellings to accommodate farm workers and guests. |
Our desired location for the farm is Mayne Island, in the southern Gulf Islands of BC between the lower mainland, Vancouver, & Victoria. The island is 55 minutes on the ferry from Tsawassen ferry terminal. Being a small island, everything is just a short distance from beaches, where you can swim, kayak, hike, dock your boat, or even fly in on float plane! Mayne Island is quiet but friendly and hosts an assortment of wildlife. The secondary location for land restoration, employment and training is a Bison ranch located at 70-Mile House, BC.
