Daniel Schildknecht is a student in Capilano University, who is studying Business Marketing while working part time as a chef. He is residing with his partner in North Vancouver on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) and šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ
təməxʷ (Musqueam) Nations.
Home for Daniel however is far more distant, he was raised in the furthest Northeastern reaches of British Columbia in the small community of Muncho lake within the traditional territories of the Kaska Dena Kayeh, Michif Piyii (Métis) and Dënéndeh Nations. Nestled snuggly alongside the shores of the namesake lake and the historic Alaska Hwy, the community of Muncho Lake is rich in natural beauty albeit sparsely populated. School was a daily 50km drive south for Daniel and his friends (to the slightly larger settlement of Toad River[1]), their class consisted of only 18 other students ranging from kindergarten to Grade 12. The weekends and holidays of Daniels youth were spent either exploring the outdoors or helping his parents in their small business. Some of his earliest memories are flying “Co-pilot” with his father on backcountry floatplane charters. This remote upbringing instilled a deep-rooted passion for Nature, Aviation and Tourism at a young age. Formative experiences that would continue to shape his adult years.
In his teens an interest in the culinary arts would lead Daniel to his ancestral home of Switzerland, to take on an apprenticeship as a chef. He looks back fondly on his time working in the Swiss Alps, skiing (almost daily), reconnecting with family and exploring Europe during days off. Food and culture would further spur him to travel the world, eventually moving back to British Columbia. He continued honing his skills as a chef in some of Vancouver’s finest restaurants. Missing the remoteness of northern Canada, he briefly returned home for a managerial position at a small resort. Stretching his expertise and knowledge thin, he decided to further his education.
Daniel has recently completed his Private Pilot’s Licence and Mountain Bike Guide certificate. He is keen to continue this success in university this fall. Post-graduation he plans on returning to the tourism sector with an in-depth knowledge of Marketing and eventually hopes to found a small Adventure tour business with his partner.
[1] Toad river is also within the traditional territories of the Kaska Dena Kayeh, Michif Piyii (Métis) and Dënéndeh Nations.
All Native land date sourced from https://native-land.ca/ on September 23, 2021