Bazil has been a guide since 1959. He got his start in Nordegg, Alberta, but moved to Grande Cache ten years later and has resided there ever since. In 1970 Bazil purchased an outfit from Ed Favero, a Nordegg outfitter and moved the operation to Grande Cache. He has been guiding and outfitting in Willmore Wilderness Park ever since. Bazil has extensive knowledge of this incredible mountain park. Bazil also holds a Registered Fur Management Area in Willmore Wilderness Park.
Bazil was the recipient of the 2015 Order of the Bighorn. Members of the Order of the Bighorn have distinguished themselves and enriched the lives of all Albertans through their commitment to the environment and Alberta’s world-renowned fish and wildlife. Bazil is also a recipient of the President’s Award for the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society.
Tom Thackeray brings a lot of experience to the Foundation. Tom was also the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Culture Community, and Voluntary Services. is the Past Chair of the Board of Trustees of Arts and Heritage, St Albert, a non-profit society and registered charity.
Tom and his wife Kathy love Willmore Wilderness Park and have been on a packhorse trip, and have experienced the history, traditions and culture of the region.
Arthur Veitch has a passion for Willmore Wilderness and area photography and cinematography. Arthur won two BBC Wildlife Magazine camera trap awards. He has also received honorable mentions in the Monochrome Awards and Black & White Spider Awards; and won Wildlife Portrait Category, in the 2019 Wild Photo Contest. Arthur’s work has been published in a number of magazines including Canadian Geographic and National Wildlife. His photography hangs in some prominent museums.
Arthur Veitch and Susan Feddema-Leonard were nominated for Best Cinematographers at the 2016 Alberta Film and Television Rosie Awards.
Loretta Belcourt worked for Native Counselling Services of Alberta for 34-years. She ran youth programs in and around Willmore Wilderness Park for many years. Loretta lived and worked in the Edson, Grande Cache and Hinton areas and is very familiar with the culture, traditions and history of the Canadian Rockies. She is a descendant of Joseph Belcourt, one of the first voyageurs that arrived in this region of the Rockies in the late 1700s.
Josh Hallock was born and raised in the Grande Cache area. His family roots go back to the early voyaguers who guided many of the early explores across the Canadian Rockies on horseback. Josh’s grandmother Helen Hallock, and great grandfather, Louis Delorme were both respected in the guiding and outfitting industry. Josh currenly works for the Town of Grande Cache, and is a great asset to the Willmore Wilderness Foundation Board of Directors.
Craig Ingersoll recently moved to Grande Cache from Edson, Alberta. He has worked with horses throughout his life. He has ridden in Willlmore Wilderness Park. He has been a great help in trail clearing trip preparations over the past few years; as well as in post trip support. Craig’s family members including two of his daughters, and granddaughers have travelled extensively in Willmore Wilderness Park. Craig is a professional welder, and his skills are an asset to the Willmore Wilderness Foundation Board of Directors.
Danika Gill was born, raised and taught the traditions of the Canadian Rocky Mountains since she was an infant. She comes from generations of guides, outfitters, trappers and Mountain Men and Women. Danika actively teaches her children and community the mountain culture. She lives and works embracing the mountain way of life. Danika is a descendant of the early voyageurs including Louis Karakuntie. She is also a descendant of legendary Mountain Man, Adam Joachim.