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Debra offers programs, workshops and residencies
for all ages! For hands-on Native craft
workshops, all supplies are included, unless
otherwise stated.
Programs can be designed to fit the needs of your school
or organization.
Be sure to ask Debra about her
MULTIPLE BOOKING DISCOUNT!
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Programs for Kids
Feathers, Furs and Tipis
| Native
Storyteller in Residency
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FEATHERS, FURS AND TIPIS
(55 minutes)
Did you ever wonder how Rabbit lost his tail? Join Debra
as she shares Native American stories of “How Chipmunk
Got His Stripes” ... “How Turtle Cracked His Shell” ...
and more!
Debra’s lively presentation includes Native legends, an
Indian Story Basket, hand-drums and rattles, and
culminates with the children and families participating
in a Native American FRIENDSHIP DANCE!
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Debra teaches children
the "Friendship Dance" ...
plenty of drums, shakers and rattles ~ a fun time for
all! |
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This program can be geared for any age group.
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NATIVE STORYTELLER IN RESIDENCY
PROGRAM
(Native American Culture, History, Folklore)
(half-day, one day, or two days)
This
day-long residency is a cultural education program
offering students an opportunity to see/touch a variety
of artifacts — including basketry, hand drums, rattles,
corn husk dolls, moccasins and arrow heads through
Debra’s “Traveling Exhibit.”
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Debra arrives dressed in traditional Iroquoian
regalia and provides the students with explanations
of the cultural significance of each piece.
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Debra addresses and dismantles dangerous Indian
stereotypes — discussing the many differences
between Wisconsin and other Great Lakes Tribes,
including language, dwellings, clothing, family
life, and more.
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Students explore and discuss the impact of European
contact and trade with Native communities, The First
Thanksgiving, and the Native American “worldview” of
the interconnectedness of life.
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Students will also get a close look at the cultural
significance of beadwork designs of selected tribal
regions, as well as learn the value and teachings of
storytelling (the oral tradition), The Sacred Drum
and Eagle, and the difference between ceremonial
dance vs. Pow-Wows.
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Debra offers comparisons and contrasts between the
Woodland and other North American tribes.
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Most importantly, students will have a better
understanding who the contemporary Native American
is TODAY — what they look like, and where they work,
go to school, and live. (It isn’t in Long Houses,
Tipis, or Wigwams anymore!)
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It is Debra’s hope that students will embrace and
celebrate the history and culture of Wisconsin’s and
North America’s FIRST PEOPLE.
This residency program may be structured to accommodate
any size group/class.
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Programs for Adults
Morningstar Tapestry
| Good
Medicine |
The Indian Storystick
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MORNINGSTAR TAPESTRY
(55 minutes)
An educational, entertaining and thought-provoking
presentation, including Native story, song, and a lively
discussion focusing on the dismantling of dangerous
Indian stereotypes, mascots, and issues facing the
American Indian today! |
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Exploration of the Native American worldview — including
ceremonies, traditions, and spirituality surrounding it
— is creatively woven into the presentation.
Debra Morningstar comes dressed in full Oneida regalia,
singing Native songs/chants while playing the Turtle
hand drum and flute.
In culminating the presentation, Debra shares/discusses
her “traveling exhibit” — which includes moccasins,
beadwork, Corn husk dolls, basketry and more!
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GOOD MEDICINE
(Keynote)
(55-90 minutes)
Debra poignantly weaves Native flute, story and song
into a personal journey of a young Oneida child adopted
away from her Native American family and culture — thus
growing up in a dysfunctional, alcoholic home, enduring
both physical and sexual abuse.
Returning to her tribal roots for direction and healing,
Debra’s story gently reminds us of the “resiliency” of
the human spirit and the gifts awaiting us as we come
full circle.
Presented at the 2006 International Toronto
Storytelling Festival.
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 THE
INDIAN STORYSTICK:
“An Experiential Workshop”
(3 hours)
Read an article Debra wrote about this workshop!
With its roots in Ancient Native Teachings, The Indian
Storystick encourages participants to “explore their
past” as they embark on this life-altering experience.
While adorning their sticks with ribbon, shells, beads,
and feathers, participants are guided on a journey of
spiritual renewal and self-discovery. In culminating
this three-hour workshop, the people come together in
the Sacred Circle to share their stories. All are
invited to be part of this deeply moving experience as
The Indian Storystick takes you on your “Earth Walk” of
reflection, healing and self care.
Comments from "The Indian Storystick" workshop
participants:
"The wonderful space that you provided us
with — the candles, cedar, sacred Grandfathers [stones]
— was perfect. This was just what I needed to heal my
Spirit. Thank you so much for the love, respect and care
that you give to each participant."
[Northlands Storytelling Network Annual Conference]
"The atmosphere and spirit of the presenter AND
participants, the gifts of water, cedar and sweetgrass,
and ancient Native earth-based teachings allowed me to
finally let go of things that I've been carrying
for far too long. Fortunately, I will never be the
same."
[National Indian Child Welfare Conference]
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