Cultivating Seeds of Healing and Reconciliation at the Salish Sea Regenerative Farm Society
Perspective/Stories
Planetary Health
Community Well-Being
Food Security
Aaron Joe, Lana Brandt
In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, a small but transformative initiative is taking root in the heart of Sechelt, on the swiya of the shíshálh people.
The Salish Sea Regenerative Farm Society, founded by Shíshálh Nation member Aaron Joe, is doing much more than just cultivating plants–it’s sowing seeds of hope, healing, and a renewed relationship between people and the land. With a mission grounded in sustainability and Reconciliation, this garden represents a beacon of possibility for both community and environmental well-being.
The Salish Sea Regenerative Farm is much more than a farm—it’s a symbol of hope for the future.
From Overflowing Landfills to Rich Compost
Aaron Joe’s story reflects not only a transformation of the land, but also a personal healing and reconnection with his Indigenous roots. Coming from a career in forestry and mining, Aaron became troubled by the environmental toll of these industries. He needed to find a way to give back to the planet and rediscover his reconnection to the land. His vision was rooted in a simple, yet profound idea: divert organic household waste from the local landfills and transform it into nutrient-rich compost that sustains a new way for his community.
This vision took shape through his company Salish Soils, a composting operation that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich earth. But Aaron’s ambition didn’t end there. He saw an opportunity to expand this labour of love onto barren land next to the Sechelt Hospital, where the Salish Regenerative farm was born.
Nourishing Body and Soul
At the core of the Salish Regenerative’s mission is community nourishment—both for people and the earth. Each week, the farm delivers over 35 produce boxes to shíshálh Nation Elders, as well as to the local hospital and food banks. It’s not just any food that’s being grown, either. The farm uses regenerative methods, such as no-till farming, mulching, and winter cover crops to build nutrient-dense soil and grow healing food.
Here, food is more than just sustenance—it’s medicine. This philosophy opens the door to rethinking both food and health care systems. That’s where Nourish comes in–a nonprofit dedicated to unlocking the potential of food to drive the transition toward more preventative, equitable, and sustainable health care systems.
A Vision for the Future
The garden Aaron and his team have cultivated is only the beginning. The farm has plans to expand with fruit orchards, chickens, greenhouses, and cold storage to extend its growing season and distribute more food year-round. Beyond food, the farm serves as a living classroom, teaching children and community members about regenerative agriculture and the importance of sustainability.
At the heart of this work is a commitment to healing—not just the land, but the people. The farm’s healing garden offers a sanctuary for hospital workers, members of the Indigenous community, and local youth. It is a place for all to come together to learn, grow, and heal in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. The Salish Sea Regenerative Farm is much more than a farm—it’s a symbol of hope for the future.