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OUR STORY

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It was our honour to have Bushcraft Expert and Outdoor Survivalist, Ray Mears for a visit to Thunderpipe Lodge in 2016. (from left to right- Virginia McKenzie, Ray Mears, Jamie Saville.

We are a proudly Indigenous-owned and operated business located on the Temagami First Nation reserve. As Algonquin and Ojibwe people—specifically, the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, or Deep Water People—our roots run deep in this land. Archaeological evidence confirms that our ancestors have lived here for over 6,000 years.

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Though we were confined to just one square mile of reserve land—taken from our original 4,000 square miles of traditional territory known as N’Daki Menan—we remain here, resilient and thriving. Today, we continue to practice our inherent Aboriginal rights and care for this land, with the hope of sharing its beauty and spirit with those who value and respect its sacredness as we do.

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Thunderpipe Lodge, formerly known as Temagami Tipi Camp, was founded nearly 30 years ago by Virginia McKenzie. She welcomed guests into a space rich in traditional ceremonies and cultural experiences. About nine years ago, we expanded and evolved the camp to provide a more comfortable, home-away-from-home feel, transitioning from tipis to cozy bunkie cabins.  Although Virginia has retired, she continues to be a great support person and, to our benefit, makes herself available from time to time for guidance.

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While the accommodations have changed, the essence of the land has not. There remains a powerful spiritual connection that can be felt simply from being immersed in Mother Nature.

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We warmly welcome you to our traditional homelands to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience.  Come and connect with nature, feel the spirit of the land, and be part of a living tradition rooted in generations of deep respect, stewardship, and cultural pride.

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