Our Story
Many roads, one journey.

David Bailey

David Bailey is of Metis ancestry and he was born and raised in the East Kootenays in a rural farm setting. David's love for plants and the land was established when he was 11 years old after creating his first garden. At this time, he also discovered his passion for raising farm animals. In addition to learning animal husbandry and processing, David spent many years throughout his teens into his 40's in the trades. A decade ago, David acquired an acreage and was called to put all of these life skills to work through developing and remediating the land to coexist with the natural setting of his homestead in a well way. Eventually, after repairing and building the soil, David began raising goats and chickens and later ducks and rabbits. Throughout this decade on what is now akiikaa homestead, the initial 10 x 10 garden expanded into an acre permaculture growing operation to a now 100 foot greenhouse and garden spaces throughout the acreage. David loves teaching and sharing the wisdom he has worked so hard to acquire, and several years ago started working with urban and rural homesteaders. His consultations support community members on how to utilize their growing spaces efficiently, how to build soil, how to grow food, and so much more.

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Chantal Gagne

Chantal Gagne was born and raised in Northern Ontario. She is a biracial Anishinaabe woman and a registered band member of the Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation. Her ancestral lineages include those of the Ojibway Nation, as well as a mixed European Heritage - all of which have shaped who she is today. After leaving her childhood stomping grounds, Chantal roamed and lived in many places. Currently, Chantal calls Land of the Ktunaxa People, in the East Kootenays, home. There, she lives on an off-grid homestead with her partner and daughter, tending to organic food and medicine gardens, animals, and the Spirit of the Land and of Life. For over 20 years Chantal has been building reciprocal, hands-on, relationships with our plant relatives. Chantal has also been an apprentice to several Traditional First Nations Medicine people and elders, herbalists, and ceremonialists. Most recently, after practicing as a folk herbalist and ceremonialist for many years, Chantal completed a Clinical Herbalist Diploma, and now integrates all the ways of knowing. These ways also include her 20+ years of experience in healthcare as a BSN student and RN.

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Stay tuned for more of Our Story!

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Our Story Many roads, one journey.

Our Story
Many roads, one journey.