ResearchIndependent field research grounded in long-term observation, practical experience and place-based knowledge
We are particularly interested in what becomes visible when ecological research is connected to sustained presence, practical skill and direct participation in the system being studied. The most comprehensive discussion I’ve seen on the issue [of fallow deer] . Mayne Island
Community Member: "Generally, I find the description 'world class' to be inaccurate and over-used, but the presentation that I saw and heard this evening at the Ag Hall by Susheela Kundargi and David Fierro about Mayne Island's fallow deer definitely merits the term world class in its informative thoroughness, intelligence, and clarity. Many thanks, David and Susheela, for such valuable information, and for helping to make a complex situation more understandable." |
Tsi-Tesakotitsén:tha - The Healing Place Foundation conducts independent, land-based research focused on deer, food systems, ecological change, stewardship, and the relationships between people and place.
Our work combines sustained field observation with practical experience in harvesting, whole-animal processing, food systems, land use, restoration, and community-based stewardship. Much of our current research has developed through several years of close observation of Mayne Island’s fallow deer population, alongside direct hunting, processing, photography, video documentation and land-based fieldwork. Current Research Our current work includes:
Our research continues to develop as new observations and data are added. Field Data
Our research draws on a multi-year body of original field material, including longitudinal observations, harvest records, processing records, photographs, video, herd observations and land-based documentation. This material has been developed independently through sustained fieldwork rather than through a university research program. Selected findings, analyses and reports may be published publicly. The underlying datasets, field records, photographs, video archives and unpublished research materials remain under the stewardship of Tsi-Tesakotitsén:tha - The Healing Place Foundation and are not released as open-access data. 
Research Approach
Our approach is grounded in repeated observation over time. Rather than relying only on short-term surveys or isolated snapshots, we follow animals, landscapes and food systems across seasons and years. Our work brings together:
We are particularly interested in what becomes visible when ecological research is connected to sustained presence, practical skill and direct participation in the system being studied. Publications & Reports
Research reports, technical papers and related publications will be added here as they are released. Fallow Deer on S,ḴŦAḴ (Mayne Island) Longitudinal Field Observations, Population Dynamics, Ecological Effects and Practical Management Susheela Kundargi & David Fierro, 2026 A field-based research paper drawing on more than three years of sustained observation, hunting, processing and ecological documentation of fallow deer on Mayne Island.
Current & forthcoming work includes:
The Ethical Meat Report Research and analysis relating to ethical meat production, slaughter, animal use and food systems. Reclaiming Stewardship Forthcoming work exploring land, food, stewardship and human responsibility within ecological systems. Ongoing Mayne Island Fallow Deer Research Continued field observation, harvest records, herd behaviour, reproduction, ecological impacts and management analysis. Where available, formal publications will include permanent DOI links and recommended citation information. Presentations & Public Education:
We regularly translate our fieldwork into public presentations, workshops and educational materials. These presentations may include photographs, video, original data, field observations, comparative analysis and published research. Presentation materials are not automatically available for redistribution. Where recordings or presentation materials are made publicly available, links will be provided here. Research Collaboration
We welcome conversations with researchers, Indigenous Nations, agencies, landowners, conservation organizations and other groups where there is a clear alignment of interests. Access to unpublished research, underlying datasets, photographs, recordings or other original materials is considered on a case-by-case basis. Where appropriate, access may require a written research collaboration or data-use agreement setting out expectations around use, attribution, publication, redistribution and authorship. Data Use & Attribution
Published research should be cited using the citation information provided with each report or research output. Unpublished field data, photographs, figures, recordings, presentation materials and underlying datasets may not be reproduced, redistributed, incorporated into another research project or publication, or used to create derivative datasets without prior written permission. For research enquiries or collaboration: Tsi-Tesakotitsén:tha - The Healing Place Foundation [email protected] © 2026 Susheela Kundargi and David Fierro operating under Tsi-Tesakotitsén:tha - The Healing Place Foundation. All rights reserved. 
| ||||
