Our People

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you our staff at The Wharncliffe Wilderness Retreat and Learning Center located in Thessalon, Ontario.

Blue Fire, Bear Clan Woman of the Serpent River First Nation, Ontario – Ojibway

Isabelle's background is in Social Work.  She is a traditional helper, a ceremonialist and a Grandmother.

Isabelle has a permanent home on the Serpent River First Nation in Cutler, Ontario.  She lives there with her partner and best friend, Blaine.  Her community is also the source of her support, strength and pride.

She is well traveled and has worked in a variety of specialty areas including Child and Family Services, Mental Health Settings, Sexual Assault Groups, Indian Residential School Movement and the Metis Community Wellness.  Since 1999, she has presented powerful and healing workshops at numerous conferences around the country. 

The connection to the Elders/Teachers remains strong, and has been a guiding force in her life. They were influential in how she chose to live the “good life.”  This motivated her to design programs that reflected the “Traditional Teachings”, as she struggled to design her model of social work practice that reflected cultural values.  She combines the “Ancient Teachings” with contemporary education to bring understanding and healing to many, many people. 

Currently, Isabelle is working with her colleagues in research and development with the Neegoni Wabun Gi Gay Win Teaching Lodge in Cutler, Ontario.  Using their expertise in program design and community development, they have now begun to build the Wharncliffe Farm Retreat & Learning Centre. 

Caroline is Anishinaabe-Kwe born and raised on the Wikwemikong First Nation and is now a member of the Wahnapitae First Nation where she now resides with her husband and children. She is a self-employed researcher/consultant with over thirty years experience working with the Aboriginal community. She is a mother and a grandmother and has great passion for promoting the well being of Aboriginal youth and promoting the “Urban Aboriginal Youth Leading The Way”, a group pf energetic Aboriginal youth leaders that she has mentored for the past three year, 

She has worked with the Aboriginal community for over thirty years both in Ontario and in Alberta in administration, policy development, community development including child, youth and family services.  Caroline has been recognized and has won several awards in the Aboriginal community for her efforts, commitment and dedication to the humanitarian work in helping to improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples.  

 After many years of working in urban settings, Caroline’s healing and inner journey has brought her home to her own community where she continues her search for self knowledge, healing methods and traditional teachings in ancient, indigenous and shamanistic traditions including Tibetan medicine teachings.  In 2004, she graduated from graduate studies at York University, the oldest student in her class, in a Masters degree in Environmental Studies where she majored in Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal/Government/Resource sector relations.  Her passion for the environment, connections to the natural world, and healing methods has brought her to pursue studies and research in healing methods with the Anishinaabe Kweok - Aboriginal Women’s research Network.  She is currently working with her colleagues on a research project that will help bring voice and support to the ancient teachings on the Cedar Bath amongst other healing methods which the Neegoni Wabun Gi Gay Win Teaching Lodge have been implementing. 

Public speaking engagements, keynote address and healing seminars are a few of the passions that Caroline has recently been participating in.

Blain Commanda 

Bird Clan Man of the Ojibway of the Serpent River First Nation Blaine is a drum maker, fire keeper and a traditional stress management specialist.  Blaine is also a sun dancer and has earned the roll of a sacred clown. 

Ellie Graham

Ellie Graham comes from the West Coast and brings to Wharncliffe her many talents with her drumming, singing, leather work , cooking, organizing, and grounds keeping.  Ellie is also the lodge keeper of Wharncliffe Retreat & Learning Center.