Institute for the Study of Spirit
Advancing the Spiritual Evolution of Humanity and Healing Mother Earth
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.
The Institute for the Study of Spirit (ISS) is a national, Indigenous and women-led charity for Healing, Unity, and Peacemaking.
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.
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.
“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.
Grandmother Circles
Grandmother 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.
Wisdom Talks
Curated multi-media teachings with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Wisdom Keepers from around the world
Training of Next Generation Indigenous Healers
“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
Coming Soon
Join our mailing list for upcoming events, ways you can get involved, and special offerings.
Grandmother Circles
Grandmother Circles (Trust Circles) 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.
“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
TESTIMONIALS
What People Are Saying
Learn why the Institute for the Study of Spirit is needed now more than ever.
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
Messages From Mother Earth
Storytelling and Wisdom Collection
Storytelling and Wisdom Collection
Healing, Unity, and Peacemaking
Jim Dumont
Take Care of Mother Earth
Diane Longboat