Institute for the Study of Spirit

Advancing the Spiritual Evolution of Humanity and Healing Mother Earth

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OUR SACRED MISSION

Healing, Unity, and Peacemaking

The Institute for the Study of Spirit (ISS) is a national, Indigenous and women-led charity for Healing, Unity, and Peacemaking.

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OUR STORY

Take Care of Mother Earth

The mandate for the Institute is to take care of Mother Earth and to take care of each other with love, respect and compassion.

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WHO WE ARE

A New Mind For A New Earth

ISS emerges as a transformative space for healing-centered leadership, spiritual training, and systemic metamorphosis for our times. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ceremony, ISS serves as a catalyst for a new paradigm—one that heals the wounds of colonization and capitalism, and reorients us toward a compassionate relationship with one another and with Mother Earth.

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Group of indigenou people including Diane Longboat

Oren Lyons, Faith Keeper at Onondaga Nation and women leaders at the Covenant of Nations Gathering

“We need to bring people back to their original relationship to the land, waters – to remember our responsibilities to the Creator.”

Diane Longboat

OFFERINGS

Offerings Rooted in Spirit

ISS is rooted in care, equity, reciprocity, expanding them into a global spiritual movement. We are centering voices once silenced, uplifting Indigenous wisdom, and aligning networks of spiritual potency that the world urgently needs. Through ceremony, dialogue, teaching, and healing practices, ISS will walk with communities as we care for Mother Earth and care for one another with love, respect, and compassion.

Grandmothers Fires

In First Nations, addressing critical unmet needs such as rites of passages, medicine, and healing work.

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International Ceremonial Gatherings

Through in-person and online gatherings networks of spiritual potency are created across generations and cultures.

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World Indigenous Peoples Library

Curated multi-media teachings with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Wisdom Keepers from around the world

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Lake running between the stones and sunshine behind the trees

Ceremonies

Healing ceremonies for individuals and collectives

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Training for the Next Generation of Indigenous Healers

Guiding young people through their healing journey

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Close up on the grass and blue sky behind

Rejuvenation

Retreats for Healers seeking renewal

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Dream Councils and Vision Gatherings

For spiritual leaders to learn from one another

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“Through ceremony, dialogue, teaching, and healing practices, ISS will walk with communities as we care for Mother Earth and care for one another with love, respect, and compassion.”

Diane Longboat

EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Join our mailing list for upcoming events, ways you can get involved, and special offerings.

Grandmothers Fires

Grandmothers Fires in First Nations communities serving youth at risk

International Gatherings

Through in-person and online gatherings networks of spiritual potency are created across generations and cultures.

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“We invite you to become part of the ISS family of innovators, transformationalists, seekers, committed to a “New Earth for a New Mind”, a wholesale shift in human values from “I” to “We”, from extraction to regeneration, from greed to altruism, from hate to respect, from fear to love.”

Diane Longboat

Kahontakwas Diane Longboat, Crawford Lake, Covenant of Nations Gathering

TESTIMONIALS

What People Are Saying

Learn why the Institute for the Study of Spirit is needed now more than ever.

"Diane and Cindy, I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your whole team at Soul of the Mother Lodge. Your team works so well together it was flawless and beautiful to watch. The moment you walk over the hill and feel the warmth the Lodge gives off you know your in a safe space. Then you enter the space and the firepit is like nothing I have ever seen, the beautiful shape as an arrow head decorated with beautiful messages. Your warm welcoming staff helping you along the path, then there you lovely ladies are just radiant in your wisdom and everything you exhume even in your regalia Cindy. The honor you gave us to allow for us to sit in the inner circle was a majic feeling I will never forget. I felt at home surrounded by family and connected. The music, singing and atmosphere was electric. The power of the whole ceremony was eye opening and the feelings I felt. I have no words, but unbelievable gratitude for allowing me to join my cousin and to attend these ceremonies and embark on taking back my traditional teachings and messages."
Becky, Anishinaabe
Contrary Dance, Ancestor Ceremony, 2026
"I will never forget Diane Longboat speaking about the next stage of my spiritual development when I joined a circle of women in ceremony under her leadership. She spoke of being transparent before Creator—of being truly seen for our real faces—and invited us, as young women, to believe in our own spiritual authority. It was a bold and life-changing proposition. Diane works humbly, in the old way, with original purpose. She makes offerings from her own spirit walk, one of purification, and generously bridges ancient knowledge to the path of the sacred today for the benefit of all people. Her maturity as a spiritual leader is evident in the way she holds council, honoring each individual’s wisdom in the circle, and offering the right ceremony for each other’s healing and knowing to take root. At the heart of her work is a deep curiosity about how to put her capacity to listen to Creator in service of humanity. I am grateful to have entered several ceremonial gatherings hosted at Soul of the Mother. I have no doubt that her future initiatives will continue to guide the evolution of our planet, help to center Indigenous knowledge, and model visionary leadership for generations to come."
Alison Fast
Core Circle Leader, Women of Spirit and Faith, Artist / Filmmaker
"Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is one of the rare people whose very presence carries courage. For decades, she has tended a vision few could see. The Institute for the Study of Spirit is an evolved manifestation of the profound work she has carried over many years. She has always known that psycho-spiritual well-being is what allows us to live with dignity, act with compassion, and activate our deepest visions for what is possible in the world. Rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, she has held healing as a responsibility carried across time and generations. Her leadership has always been grounded in integrity, love, and service. Her work has transformed lives, including mine, by reawakening what modernity tried to silence: that Spirit is alive and ready to guide us forward. At a time when young people face futures clouded by climate disruption, violence, and despair, the Institute matters profoundly. It offers a place to remember that Spirit is not gone, that wisdom and renewal are possible, and that they are not alone. The Institute is a place where we remember how to move forward with reverence and deeper truths in a world unravelling from its forgetfulness".
Dr. Maria Vamvali
Founder of Anayennisi. (Anayennisi is Greek for regeneration, rebirth, renewal).
"I am grateful to say I have known Diane Longboat for over 20 years. I have witnessed her deep devotion to Spirit, her capacity to listen for guidance and her commitment to true collaborative leadership. I have been blessed to sit in ceremony with Diane at the sacred fire at Soul of the Mother Lodge, and to introduce several generations of young women leaders to the fire's powerful sacred medicine. Remarkably, Diane has also offered her leadership to several large national and international projects, bringing her unique gifts to the complex task of weaving enduring connections and shared intentions among numerous organizations. Her inner compass is always pointing in the direction of Spirit with authenticity and love."
Kathe Schaaf
Co-Founder, Women of Spirit and Faith
"Diane and Cindy, I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your whole team at Soul of the Mother Lodge. Your team works so well together it was flawless and beautiful to watch. The moment you walk over the hill and feel the warmth the Lodge gives off you know your in a safe space. Then you enter the space and the firepit is like nothing I have ever seen, the beautiful shape as an arrow head decorated with beautiful messages. Your warm welcoming staff helping you along the path, then there you lovely ladies are just radiant in your wisdom and everything you exhume even in your regalia Cindy. The honor you gave us to allow for us to sit in the inner circle was a majic feeling I will never forget. I felt at home surrounded by family and connected. The music, singing and atmosphere was electric. The power of the whole ceremony was eye opening and the feelings I felt. I have no words, but unbelievable gratitude for allowing me to join my cousin and to attend these ceremonies and embark on taking back my traditional teachings and messages."
Becky, Anishinaabe
Contrary Dance, Ancestor Ceremony, 2026
"I will never forget Diane Longboat speaking about the next stage of my spiritual development when I joined a circle of women in ceremony under her leadership. She spoke of being transparent before Creator—of being truly seen for our real faces—and invited us, as young women, to believe in our own spiritual authority. It was a bold and life-changing proposition. Diane works humbly, in the old way, with original purpose. She makes offerings from her own spirit walk, one of purification, and generously bridges ancient knowledge to the path of the sacred today for the benefit of all people. Her maturity as a spiritual leader is evident in the way she holds council, honoring each individual’s wisdom in the circle, and offering the right ceremony for each other’s healing and knowing to take root. At the heart of her work is a deep curiosity about how to put her capacity to listen to Creator in service of humanity. I am grateful to have entered several ceremonial gatherings hosted at Soul of the Mother. I have no doubt that her future initiatives will continue to guide the evolution of our planet, help to center Indigenous knowledge, and model visionary leadership for generations to come."
Alison Fast
Core Circle Leader, Women of Spirit and Faith, Artist / Filmmaker
"Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is one of the rare people whose very presence carries courage. For decades, she has tended a vision few could see. The Institute for the Study of Spirit is an evolved manifestation of the profound work she has carried over many years. She has always known that psycho-spiritual well-being is what allows us to live with dignity, act with compassion, and activate our deepest visions for what is possible in the world. Rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, she has held healing as a responsibility carried across time and generations. Her leadership has always been grounded in integrity, love, and service. Her work has transformed lives, including mine, by reawakening what modernity tried to silence: that Spirit is alive and ready to guide us forward. At a time when young people face futures clouded by climate disruption, violence, and despair, the Institute matters profoundly. It offers a place to remember that Spirit is not gone, that wisdom and renewal are possible, and that they are not alone. The Institute is a place where we remember how to move forward with reverence and deeper truths in a world unravelling from its forgetfulness".
Dr. Maria Vamvali
Founder of Anayennisi. (Anayennisi is Greek for regeneration, rebirth, renewal).
"I am grateful to say I have known Diane Longboat for over 20 years. I have witnessed her deep devotion to Spirit, her capacity to listen for guidance and her commitment to true collaborative leadership. I have been blessed to sit in ceremony with Diane at the sacred fire at Soul of the Mother Lodge, and to introduce several generations of young women leaders to the fire's powerful sacred medicine. Remarkably, Diane has also offered her leadership to several large national and international projects, bringing her unique gifts to the complex task of weaving enduring connections and shared intentions among numerous organizations. Her inner compass is always pointing in the direction of Spirit with authenticity and love."
Kathe Schaaf
Co-Founder, Women of Spirit and Faith
"Diane and Cindy, I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your whole team at Soul of the Mother Lodge. Your team works so well together it was flawless and beautiful to watch. The moment you walk over the hill and feel the warmth the Lodge gives off you know your in a safe space. Then you enter the space and the firepit is like nothing I have ever seen, the beautiful shape as an arrow head decorated with beautiful messages. Your warm welcoming staff helping you along the path, then there you lovely ladies are just radiant in your wisdom and everything you exhume even in your regalia Cindy. The honor you gave us to allow for us to sit in the inner circle was a majic feeling I will never forget. I felt at home surrounded by family and connected. The music, singing and atmosphere was electric. The power of the whole ceremony was eye opening and the feelings I felt. I have no words, but unbelievable gratitude for allowing me to join my cousin and to attend these ceremonies and embark on taking back my traditional teachings and messages."
Becky, Anishinaabe
Contrary Dance, Ancestor Ceremony, 2026
"I will never forget Diane Longboat speaking about the next stage of my spiritual development when I joined a circle of women in ceremony under her leadership. She spoke of being transparent before Creator—of being truly seen for our real faces—and invited us, as young women, to believe in our own spiritual authority. It was a bold and life-changing proposition. Diane works humbly, in the old way, with original purpose. She makes offerings from her own spirit walk, one of purification, and generously bridges ancient knowledge to the path of the sacred today for the benefit of all people. Her maturity as a spiritual leader is evident in the way she holds council, honoring each individual’s wisdom in the circle, and offering the right ceremony for each other’s healing and knowing to take root. At the heart of her work is a deep curiosity about how to put her capacity to listen to Creator in service of humanity. I am grateful to have entered several ceremonial gatherings hosted at Soul of the Mother. I have no doubt that her future initiatives will continue to guide the evolution of our planet, help to center Indigenous knowledge, and model visionary leadership for generations to come."
Alison Fast
Core Circle Leader, Women of Spirit and Faith, Artist / Filmmaker
"Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is one of the rare people whose very presence carries courage. For decades, she has tended a vision few could see. The Institute for the Study of Spirit is an evolved manifestation of the profound work she has carried over many years. She has always known that psycho-spiritual well-being is what allows us to live with dignity, act with compassion, and activate our deepest visions for what is possible in the world. Rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, she has held healing as a responsibility carried across time and generations. Her leadership has always been grounded in integrity, love, and service. Her work has transformed lives, including mine, by reawakening what modernity tried to silence: that Spirit is alive and ready to guide us forward. At a time when young people face futures clouded by climate disruption, violence, and despair, the Institute matters profoundly. It offers a place to remember that Spirit is not gone, that wisdom and renewal are possible, and that they are not alone. The Institute is a place where we remember how to move forward with reverence and deeper truths in a world unravelling from its forgetfulness".
Dr. Maria Vamvali
Founder of Anayennisi. (Anayennisi is Greek for regeneration, rebirth, renewal).
"I am grateful to say I have known Diane Longboat for over 20 years. I have witnessed her deep devotion to Spirit, her capacity to listen for guidance and her commitment to true collaborative leadership. I have been blessed to sit in ceremony with Diane at the sacred fire at Soul of the Mother Lodge, and to introduce several generations of young women leaders to the fire's powerful sacred medicine. Remarkably, Diane has also offered her leadership to several large national and international projects, bringing her unique gifts to the complex task of weaving enduring connections and shared intentions among numerous organizations. Her inner compass is always pointing in the direction of Spirit with authenticity and love."
Kathe Schaaf
Co-Founder, Women of Spirit and Faith
"Diane and Cindy, I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your whole team at Soul of the Mother Lodge. Your team works so well together it was flawless and beautiful to watch. The moment you walk over the hill and feel the warmth the Lodge gives off you know your in a safe space. Then you enter the space and the firepit is like nothing I have ever seen, the beautiful shape as an arrow head decorated with beautiful messages. Your warm welcoming staff helping you along the path, then there you lovely ladies are just radiant in your wisdom and everything you exhume even in your regalia Cindy. The honor you gave us to allow for us to sit in the inner circle was a majic feeling I will never forget. I felt at home surrounded by family and connected. The music, singing and atmosphere was electric. The power of the whole ceremony was eye opening and the feelings I felt. I have no words, but unbelievable gratitude for allowing me to join my cousin and to attend these ceremonies and embark on taking back my traditional teachings and messages."
Becky, Anishinaabe
Contrary Dance, Ancestor Ceremony, 2026
"I will never forget Diane Longboat speaking about the next stage of my spiritual development when I joined a circle of women in ceremony under her leadership. She spoke of being transparent before Creator—of being truly seen for our real faces—and invited us, as young women, to believe in our own spiritual authority. It was a bold and life-changing proposition. Diane works humbly, in the old way, with original purpose. She makes offerings from her own spirit walk, one of purification, and generously bridges ancient knowledge to the path of the sacred today for the benefit of all people. Her maturity as a spiritual leader is evident in the way she holds council, honoring each individual’s wisdom in the circle, and offering the right ceremony for each other’s healing and knowing to take root. At the heart of her work is a deep curiosity about how to put her capacity to listen to Creator in service of humanity. I am grateful to have entered several ceremonial gatherings hosted at Soul of the Mother. I have no doubt that her future initiatives will continue to guide the evolution of our planet, help to center Indigenous knowledge, and model visionary leadership for generations to come."
Alison Fast
Core Circle Leader, Women of Spirit and Faith, Artist / Filmmaker
"Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is one of the rare people whose very presence carries courage. For decades, she has tended a vision few could see. The Institute for the Study of Spirit is an evolved manifestation of the profound work she has carried over many years. She has always known that psycho-spiritual well-being is what allows us to live with dignity, act with compassion, and activate our deepest visions for what is possible in the world. Rooted in Haudenosaunee teachings, she has held healing as a responsibility carried across time and generations. Her leadership has always been grounded in integrity, love, and service. Her work has transformed lives, including mine, by reawakening what modernity tried to silence: that Spirit is alive and ready to guide us forward. At a time when young people face futures clouded by climate disruption, violence, and despair, the Institute matters profoundly. It offers a place to remember that Spirit is not gone, that wisdom and renewal are possible, and that they are not alone. The Institute is a place where we remember how to move forward with reverence and deeper truths in a world unravelling from its forgetfulness".
Dr. Maria Vamvali
Founder of Anayennisi. (Anayennisi is Greek for regeneration, rebirth, renewal).
"I am grateful to say I have known Diane Longboat for over 20 years. I have witnessed her deep devotion to Spirit, her capacity to listen for guidance and her commitment to true collaborative leadership. I have been blessed to sit in ceremony with Diane at the sacred fire at Soul of the Mother Lodge, and to introduce several generations of young women leaders to the fire's powerful sacred medicine. Remarkably, Diane has also offered her leadership to several large national and international projects, bringing her unique gifts to the complex task of weaving enduring connections and shared intentions among numerous organizations. Her inner compass is always pointing in the direction of Spirit with authenticity and love."
Kathe Schaaf
Co-Founder, Women of Spirit and Faith

WISDOM LIBRARY

Messages From Mother Earth

Storytelling and Wisdom Collection

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Healing, Unity, and Peacemaking

Jim Dumont

Take Care of Mother Earth

Diane Longboat