Deep Roots
A Note on Authenticity & Cultural Appropriation
We face a rampant, worldwide cultural theft of indigenous traditions by people who co-opt these traditions as their own. As you discover in Deanna's story you'll see that shamans and spiritual leaders from both Nahua and Huichol traditions have recognized her as having a calling to do this work. It wasn't something she decided would be "neat" to do. As Deanna says specifically of her Huichol calling, “My life was invaded by the Huichol gods and Huichol leaders determined that we are part of a greater prophecy.”
The annihilation of indigenous traditions throughout the world threatens not only their existence, but our own, as these ancient unbroken lineages hold the key to restoring balance. The spiritual leaders of these traditions recognize Deanna and others who have a calling and welcome her to help keep this healing through ceremonies and rituals alive.
Through this work, we might just save ourselves from our own destruction.
Many of Deanna's teachers were First Nations People. She was born and raised among the Confederated Salish Flathead and Kootenai people. She grew up as a wild child, in a wild land. She still lives with wild land and her medicine hails from these lands, grounded in the ancestral traditions of North and South America.