Donna TalkingLeaves was profoundly influenced by her maternal grandparents stories of life in Indian Territory.

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Throughout her childhood, she witnessed her Grandparents commitment to live in harmony with the natural world, support those less fortunate, and ever honor their Native American spiritual and philosophical heritage.

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A quarter century later Donna was a rigorously trained commercial pilot, flying both private and corporate aircraft.  These high speed, high performance airplanes required an equally high level of attention and skill.  And as Pilot-in-command, Donna was ultimately responsible for the safety and well being of her passengers, her aircraft, and herself.

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“Aviation was a dream career. I was mentally and physically in top shape, I was disciplined, self reliant, and responsible, but my life lacked the emotional connection and spiritual community I once knew.”  Donna would seek support and guidance from Native American Elders.

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Recognizing her leadership qualities, and her desire for greater spiritual growth, an in-depth training was outlined.  “It was not the band aid, or quick fix I had imagined; this was as demanding as any flight school curriculum. There was alchemy, sacred geometry, medicine wheel studies, and high-level ceremonies to complete". Donna was being fast tracked for ceremonial leadership.

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The apprenticeship affirmed her deepest desires; for community, ceremony, and a sacred way of life.  Donna would become a storyteller, and a weaver of story into ceremony.   

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“The cosmologies, songs and stories of Indigenous People provide the sacred roadmap for the ceremonies I offer.”  

 

A pioneer of Women’s Shamanic Work, Donna has been called a spiritual feminist for her courage to share Shamanism from a woman’s perspective.   

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Her passion for creating Beauty is evident in her art, writing, storytelling, sacred dance and seminar. 

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Donna TalkingLeaves’ unique ability to create Sacred Space, in storytelling, sharing circle and ceremony, opens the door to transformation.