About NATRC
Building a professional framework for African Traditional Religion practitioners across the diaspora
Our Story
The National African Traditional Religion Congress (NATRC) was founded in 2026 in response to a critical need within the African Traditional Religion community. For too long, practitioners of Ifa, Vodun, Santeria, and other sacred traditions have operated without a unified credentialing body to verify their training, protect the public, and advocate for their rights.
Our founders recognized that the absence of professional standards had led to exploitation, misrepresentation, and a lack of recognition for legitimate practitioners. Courts, hospitals, and employers had no way to verify the credentials of ATR clergy seeking to serve their communities. Meanwhile, individuals with little or no authentic training were claiming titles and authority they had not earned.
NATRC was established to address these challenges head-on. We provide a rigorous, transparent credentialing process that honors the diversity of African Traditional Religions while maintaining high ethical standards. Our organization is committed to preserving the integrity of these sacred traditions for future generations.
Our Mission
To provide a structured, ethical, and professional framework for the credentialing of African Traditional Religion (ATR) practitioners in the diaspora. We are dedicated to preserving the integrity of these traditions through standardized training, verifiable lineage, and a commitment to accountability.
Our Vision
To be the leading credentialing body for African Traditional Religions, fostering a respected and unified community of practitioners recognized for their authenticity, ethical conduct, and dedication to spiritual service.
About Isese
When NATRC references Ifá or Yoruba tradition, we are speaking specifically about Isese—the traditional African spiritual system practiced in Nigeria and throughout the diaspora. Isese represents the indigenous, unsyncretic practice of Yoruba spirituality, distinct from diaspora adaptations such as Santería/Lucumí, which blended with Catholicism during the colonial period.
Isese maintains direct connection to African ancestral practices, preserving the original Yoruba cosmology, divination systems, and ceremonial protocols without Catholic syncretism. NATRC honors all African Traditional Religions while clearly distinguishing between indigenous African practices and their diaspora variations.
Founding Leadership
NATRC was founded by two dedicated practitioners committed to elevating the standards and recognition of African Traditional Religions in the diaspora.
Co-Founder & Board Chair
High Priestess of Ifa (Iyanifa), YaYa, Quimbandeira, and Hoodoo Root Worker. A multi-tradition practitioner and published author dedicated to preserving the integrity of African Traditional Religions.
Co-Founder & Vice Chair
Babalawo and co-founder of NATRC, committed to establishing professional standards and ethical accountability for ATR practitioners across the diaspora.
Community & Connections
NATRC is enriched by the broader community of practitioners, allies, and spiritual family who share our commitment to honoring African Traditional Religions.
Quimbanda brothers and sisters — members of our extended spiritual family.
Governance & Structure
NATRC is organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the State of Florida. We operate with full transparency and accountability to our members and the public.
- •Verified training and lineage documentation
- •Letters of recommendation from established practitioners
- •Background review to ensure ethical standing in the community
- •Articles of Incorporation
- •Bylaws
- •Code of Ethics
- •IRS Form 990 (Annual)
National African Traditional Religion Congress, Inc.
3110 1st Avenue N, Suite 6
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
United States
Our Core Values
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all our operations.
We honor the diversity of African Traditional Religions and treat all practitioners with dignity.
We strive for the highest quality in credentialing, education, and service to our community.
We operate openly and provide clear information about our processes, fees, and governance.