Started in 1979 as the Center for Shamanic Studies, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies presents the worlds foremost training programs in shamanism and shamanic healing. They are based on the pioneering work of anthropologist Michael Harner, who brought shamanism to contemporary life in the West after extensive field and cross-cultural research, experimentation, and personal practice. He originated and developed core shamanism, a system designed for Westerners to apply shamanism and shamanic healing successfully to their daily lives. This system is based upon the underlying universal or near-universal principles and practices of shamanism, rather than upon culture-specific variations and elaborations.

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is a non-profit public 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization.