"Debra Morningstar appeared at the Fox Lake Public Library as one of our summer reading club programs. We were just delighted with her program of wonderful stories, which all had a message for the children. The audience loved her as she told about her Native American grandparents and some of the traditions of the Oneida people. She has a way of bringing the beauty of Native Americans to a community where there is little contact with them. Debra had on lovely Native American dress and the children were interested in every part of her explanation about what she wore and why. Debra also brought a wonderful array of "hands-on" items for the children to look at. When her program was over, the children all crowded around the display table and took great delight in touching all the items. I could hear them saying, "My favorite is the turtle shell," or, "Grandma, isn't this just beautiful?" The children were in no hurry to leave from the program site, and some just lingered so they could continue to watch. The adults attending the program were similarly impressed with Debra's presentation and message."

~ Julie Flemming, Director, Fox Lake Public Library

"The staff and students of the Royal School District K-3 grades gained much from the stories and educational display your program provided. It takes special talent and awareness to hold the attention of such an audience. It is a pleasure to send this well deserved praise. Our special young man, Tyler, told me it was a great program!!!"

~ Joyce Finucan, Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator
Royal School District, WI

"Ms. Morningstar delivered engaging, funny, memorable stories. Her stories are important for the children in this state to hear. My colleagues spoke to me after the assembly to say that it was one of the BEST programs we have ever sponsored!"

~ Jodi Bremer, Monroe Elementary Music Teacher

Young Anna assists Debra in telling a tale at Mosquito Hill Nature Center.

"Debra was enchanting! Her Native American attire and the use of her vocal range immediately captured the attention of the audience and held them throughout the entire performance! Her lively, fast paced presentation included plenty of opportunity for audience participation."

~ Joie Baldock, Youth Director, Kiel Public Library

"Debra Morningstar was the highlight of our 'Children's Day' program! Her colorful stories, Native American dress, and engaging personality drew the children, as well as their adult chaperones, into a world of wonder where animals and people talk and lessons are easily shared and learned. We highly recommend her to other groups that may engage her services!"

~ Sally Jacobson, Curator/Director, Ephraim Foundation

"Native American storyteller Debra Morningstar brings her unique blend of knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm to her storytelling. Dressed in full Oneida ceremonial costume, she also brings artifacts for the children to examine. She interacts beautifully with children and teaches them valuable lessons as she entertains them. I would highly recommend Debra to any library, school, or group. She is terrific!"

~ Kathy Beson, Librarian, Menasha Public Library

"Debra Morningstar presented a two-part program August 2004, at the Elm Grove Public Library. During the first part of her program, Debra told Native American stories to an audience of 190 adults/children in the village park gazebo. Using props such as drums, dance, and storytelling sticks, her audience was mesmerized! The second part of Debra's program was making dream catchers. Her teaching skills were excellent and her interactions with adults and
children alike was outstanding! By presenting a flawless program — the feedback from participants was tremendous! I would highly recommend Debra Morningstar!"

~ Diane Meyer, Youth Services Librarian, Elm Grove Public Library

"Native American Storyteller, Debra Morningstar, brought cultural awareness along with re-education, beautiful native artifacts and storytelling that captivated both our young and old listeners. Her tales wove in native traditions and legends, all accompanied by the beat of the drum. It was an awakening experience for students, staff and parents alike."

~ Cindy Kelm, School Counselor, Manawa Elementary

"Debra Morningstar's presentation on Native American history enriches and expands the boundaries of any social studies curriculum. It is important for students to learn about their history through someone else's experience and perspective. My students were captivated by her stories, songs, and humor." ~ Cheryl Pagel, EBD/Social Studies Teacher, Oshkosh, WI

"The UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing has been privileged for several years to welcome Native American storyteller Debra Morningstar to our classroom. Debra has shared her knowledge and personal stories as a historical testimony. She has shared her passion, as she stands strong as an advocate for Native Americans. This critical information is presented in story and song, as the audience is led to a greater understanding of Native American people. Debra Morningstar has a style that is entertaining. Her personality is warm and genuine. I would strongly recommend her for any audience in the classroom or community setting!"

~ Patti VanderLoop, RNC, MSN, Assistant Clinical Professor
College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

• The Newberry Library ~ Chicago, IL
• Clovis School District ~ Clovis, NM
• Minnesota Indian Mental Health Conference
• Wisconsin Indian Education Conference ~ Stevens Point, WI
• Wisconsin Department of Corrections Education Conference
• Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault Training Institute
• Wisconsin Foster Care Millennium Conference ~ Madison, WI
• International Foster Care Biennial Conference ~ Madison, WI
• National Indian Child Welfare Conference ~ Minnesota
• Wisconsin Spirituality of Aging Conference
• Great Lakes Native American Conference ~ La Crosse, WI
• Canada's West Region Reclaiming Our Voices Conference
• American Indian Heritage Month ~ UW-Oshkosh
• Toronto's International Storytelling Festival
• Calgary's National Child & Youth Care Conference
• Oneida Nation Domestic Abuse Month
• Oneida Nation Y.E.S. Program
• Milwaukee Public Museum
• Fox Cities Children's Museum ~ Appleton, WI
• Heckrodt's Wetland Reserve ~ Menasha, WI
• Northlands Storytelling Network Annual Conference
• Annual Wisconsin Storytellers' Get Together
• Outagamie Public Museum
• Menasha Public Library
• St Croix Domestic Abuse Conference
• Neenah Public Library
• Town of Menasha "Just For Boys"
• Ephraim Foundation "Kids Day"
• Lincoln Elementary ~ Wausau, WI
• Clinton Elementary ~ Clinton, WI
• Clinton Kiwanis
• Clinton Public Library

Debra tells the story of "How Rabbit Lost His Tail" ...

• Children's World Montessori ~ Neenah, WI
• Sheboygan Falls Public Library
• Waupaca Learning Center
• Appleton Montessori
• Elkhorn Technical College "Diversity Week" ~ Elkhorn, WI
• Kenosha Technical College "Diversity Week" ~ Kenosha, WI
• Racine Technical College "Diversity Week" ~ Racine, WI
• Rossmann Elementary ~ Hartford, WI
• Native American Week ~ UW-Stevens Point
• Manawa Elementary ~ WI
• Berlin Elementary ~ WI
• Washington Elementary ~ Merrill, WI
• Universalist Unitarian Fellowship ~ Appleton, WI
• Royal Primary School ~ Royal, WI
• Mead Public Library ~ Sheboygan, WI
• Orfordville Public Library
• Lomira Public Library ~ WI
• McMillan Public Library ~ Wisconsin Rapids, WI
• St Norbert College ~ DePere, WI
• UW-Fox Valley ~ Menasha, WI
• Tullar Elementary ~ Neenah, WI
• Jefferson Elemetary ~ Neenah, WI
• Boys & Girls Brigade ~ Neenah, WI
• Miller Art Museum ~ Sturgeon Bay, WI
• UW-Oshkosh Nursing Department
• UW-Social Work Department
• Toward Community "Diversity" Panel ~ Appleton, WI
• Wisconsin Resource Center ~ Winnebago, WI
• Winnebago Mental Health Native American Training
• Oshkosh Correctional Facility "Diversity Day"

Welcome! ~ About Debra ~ Programs, Workshops & Residencies ~ Rave Reviews ~ Past Venues
Teachers' Lodge ~ Children's Lodge ~ Debra's Favorite Links
Debra's CD ~ Press Room ~ Contact Debra

Photos of Debra courtesy of Wayne Westenberger.
All content copyright © Debra Morningstar, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved.

Debra Morningstar, Oneida Storyteller
Neenah, WI · (920) 915-4154 · dawest [at] centurytel [dot] net

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