Debra Morningstar is professional storyteller, cultural educator and Oneida Tribal Citizen.  For nearly three decades, she has been presenting Native storytelling performances, keynotes, and earth-based healing workshops across the US and Canada.

Some of Debra’s past work includes cultural residencies in elementary and middle schools throughout Wisconsin and beyond, cultural sensitivity trainings for educators, librarians, university diversity programs, Department of Corrections, mental health, sexual/domestic violence organizations, AODA services, veteran services, Native American Urban Indian Centers, national and regional storytelling and art organizations. Additionally, Debra’s recording of Tales From The Lodge, a collection of Native American children’s stories, was nominated in 2008 for a Native American Music Award (NAMA).

More recently, Debra has discovered the art of basketry and has immersed herself in the weaving and coiling as a full-time hobby. Morningstar’s inspiration for basket-making comes from her Oneida great-grandmother who was an accomplished Black Ash basket weaver on the Oneida reservation. Debra discovered the joy of basketry later in life and is proud to say she is a self-taught artist often learning from the best.

Debra delights in attending workshops and conferences to gain more knowledge from accomplished weavers and coilers throughout Wisconsin and beyond. In the past few years, Debra has begun teaching beginner pine needle basket classes in her community. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement and pride come over a student’s face when they complete their first basket project.”