NAIC Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics Native American Indigenous Church: Revised February 21, 2023

This document replaces and or updates any previously issued versions.

Code of Ethics: Section One – Native American Indigenous Church is a Christian community of Native Americans and Indigenous People. Native American Indigenous Church accepts Peyote as central to our traditional and established religious belief. Additionally, the natural products of Mother Earth and Great Nature, including the natural bounty of herbs and plants, the mineral kingdom, elements of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air, including but not limited to Peyote, are the significant Indigenous Earth-Based, Christ-Centered Healing Sacrament (Eucharist) for this church.

The names for Spiritual Leaders (Clergy, Medicine Man/Woman, Pastor, Minister, Counselor) of the Native American Indigenous Church are known by a variety of sacred callings: Therapist, Practitioner, Counselor, Chasta, Curandera, Elder, Mara’akame, Roadman, Sacred Prayer Pipe Carrier, Water Pourer, Minister, Clergy, etc.; those who are experienced in some American Native Spiritual practices and who act to facilitate the spiritual exercises of others. A Native American Indigenous Church (N.A.I.C.) Medicine persons, Ministers, Clergy, Counselors, Practitioners, Healers, and Therapists need not claim exclusive or definitive knowledge of their practice since wisdom and competencies are frequently developed over years of observation and experience.

Even though the Native American Indigenous Church’s primary purpose is to practice Native American religion and philosophy, and way of life as well as to administer Sacramental Ceremonies, an Native American Indigenous Church Medicine Person, Minister, Clergy, Therapist, Counselor or Practitioner is a free ‘not’ to help a sacrament during any particular American Native, Indigenous Peoples ceremony.

All Native American Indigenous Church, Indigenous Ceremonies of North and South America (Birth, Breath, Holy Anointing (Chirothesia, Laying on of Hands, Nature Cure, Energy, Vibrational, Spiritual Healing, SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies®, Ayurveda, Thai Yoga, Traditional Thai Massage, healing touch, & Chirothesia (Hands-on Spiritual Intervention: i.e., Laying on of Hands as a divine or sacerdotal duty) for healing, Natural Medicine and Traditional Naturopathy) *, Marriage, Passing Over, Prayer Pipe, Sacrament**, Spirit Dance, Sun Dance, Sweat Lodge, Vision Quest, and Water Baptism but especially Birth, Sun Dance, Sweat Lodge, and Vision Quest), may carry extreme mental, emotional and physical transformations. Therefore, when a member or Authorized Participant chooses to participate in any American Native Ceremony with the assistance of a Native American Indigenous Church Medicine person, both take on special responsibilities and understandings:

1) Respect: Native American Indigenous Church Independent Branch/ Auxiliary Medicine People and authorized Traditional Medicine and Healing Arts Ministers/ Providers are to practice and serve in ways that cultivate awareness, empathy, and wisdom for all N.A.I.C. Members and Authorized Participants during any healing work, treatment, counseling and or ceremonies.

2) Preparation and Safety: Native American Indigenous Church Authorized Participants will adhere and comply with all directorial appeals one-hour prior, during, and three hours after the ceremony, being conducted by a Native American Indigenous Church Medicine Person.

3)  Inspiration and Change: Native American Indigenous Church Spiritual Practices are inspired and conducted in ways that respect the common good, with due regard for public safety, health, and order.
Medicine People shall use special care in assisting the direction of energies of those they serve and their energies in responsible ways that reflect a loving and respectful regard for all life. a. Often, the increased awareness gained from American Native Spiritual ceremonies will catalyze a desire for personal and social change in a Member, Authorized Participant’s life. In most cases, these changes should only be made after deep introspection and considering how they will affect the other beings connected to the participant. b. Medicine People shall use special care in assisting the direction of energies of those they serve and their energies in responsible ways that reflect a loving and respectful regard for all life.

4) Consent of Participant: The autonomy and dignity of each Member and Authorized Participant are respected and preserved by Native American Indigenous Church (N.A.I.C. Inc.) Medicine People. Participation in any Native American Indigenous Church spiritual therapy, counseling, healing program, seminary, course, class, A.C.N.M. Degree Program, Thai Yoga Center Certificate course, or any ceremony/ ritual must be voluntary and based on prior disclosure and consent given by each participant while in a normal state of consciousness.

a. Existing Conditions: Disclosure shall include, at a minimum, a discussion of any elements of the ceremony that could reasonably be seen as presenting physical or psychological risks. In particular, first-time Authorized Participants must be advised that American Native Ceremonies can be complex and dramatically transforming
 b. Watchfulness: Health and Safety during the ceremony and the few hours of vulnerability that may follow a ceremony are watched over carefully with proper preparations by the Medicine People.
c. Limitations: Limits on the behaviors of Members and Authorized Participants Medicine People are to be made clear and agreed upon in advance of any American Native Ceremony.
d. Confidentiality and Customs: Our cultural/religious customs, confidentiality, and all Rules, Procedures, Guidelines, and Membership agreements (A.P.M.), are to be accepted and honored.
e. Other Approaches: N.A.I.C. respects all empowerment and healing modalities; Indigenous Spiritual Ceremonies, allopathic medicine, Monastic, and Traditional Nature Cure (Naturopathic/ Monastic) medicine. N.A.I.C. honors the fundamental Hippocratic principle of “Do No Harm” to the Spiritual, Emotional, or Physical Being of our Earthly relations. It recognizes that each modality is intended to promote the health and well-being of the participant. It believes that all forms of care can be incorporated into empowerment or healing for all of our relations in a complementary manner. Fundamentally we believe that healing is in the province of spirit, and as medicine persons, we are representatives of nature when engaging in any medicine
practice.

5) Inclusiveness: Native American Indigenous Church ceremonies will be conducted in the spirit of service. Medicine People accommodate Members, Authorized Participants without regard to race, religious affiliations, biological sex at birth, cultural background, financial status, or political affiliations.

6) Vulnerability: Native American Indigenous Church Medicine People are aware during the ceremony or healing, Indian Health Care services that Members and Authorized Participants may be incredibly open to suggestions. Medicine People pledge to protect participants and not to allow anyone to use that vulnerability in ways that harm themselves or others. – Medicine People pledge to protect participants and not allow themselves or anyone else to use that vulnerability in ways that harm themselves or others. This includes and is not limited to inappropriate sexual contact or conduct.

7) Empowerment and Salvation: Native American Indigenous Church Branch makes no claims about being in authority or having the ability to conduct saving ordinances. Christians believe that only the Blood of Jesus Christ can offer salvation. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. See N.A.I.C. Church Doctrine of Faith

8) International Coalition: Native American Indigenous Church is part of an Indigenous Spiritual Earth-Based Healing and Empowering International Collective that serves individuals and the wider community when and wherever an N.A.I.C. member resides. Native American Indigenous Church is an Authorized Free Church and Integrated Auxiliary of the Priory of Saving Grace and a Florida State Chartered Not for profit Church and U.N. (D.E.S.A.) Registered Indigenous Peoples Organization and works within the broader community of Native and Indigenous fellowships on and off reservations.

9) Attraction, Not Advertising: Native American Indigenous Church is committed to growth through the attraction of service and good right living according to “The Red Way” principles rather than proselytizing for membership.

10) Abuse Not Protected: Native American Indigenous Church Branch does not condone in any manner, shape, or form the physical or sexual abuse of women/ children/ other N.A.I.C. Members regardless of biological sex, any exploitation of any person, students, and or other N.A.I.C. Members or members of the public at large, whether in the ceremony, seminary, class, certificate program or college in any inappropriate sexual or physically abusive form, in person or by any other means or of any person or other earthly beings. This is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy. Any violation will be grounds for immediate rescinding and revocation of N.A.I.C. membership and authorizations without further notice. This is the notice.

11) Sacraments Under Direction Of Medicine People: Native American Indigenous Church believes any substance admitted into the body may be considered to be a sacrament and has the potential to be harmful if inappropriately used. The Native American Indigenous Church disapproves of using any sacrament in a manner that would likely cause harm to one’s self or others. “Controlled” and or “Contentious” substances may only be used under the direction of N.A.I.C. authorized medicine people, including L.C.H.T., to be legally protected.

Code of Ethics: Section Two – Authorized Medicine persons, Physicians, Counselors, Therapists and Healers, Participant, Basic, Full and Commissioned or Licenciate Traditional Medicine Providers as recognized within the N.A.I.C. system:

1. Social/Ecological Concern: Members recognize their intrinsic involvement in the entire community of life on the planet Earth. Members recognize the sacredness and relatedness of all living beings and the Earth, the environment that gives life and sustains them.

2. Right Conduct: N.A.I.C. members conduct themselves professionally and ethically; they perform only those services for which they are qualified and represent their calling, education, certification, professional affiliations, and other qualifications honestly. N.A.I.C. Members also agree to honestly express their level of recognition according to N.A.I.C. guidelines in all advertising media, websites, etc. They do not in any way profess to practice medicine or psychotherapy unless licensed by their state or country to do so. N.A.I.C. members who are either giving and or receiving healing programs, sessions, and services between themselves agree to abide by the Code of Ethics, N.A.I.C. Membership Agreements, A.P.M.A., Articles of Religious Practice- Membership, Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines as established by N.A.I.C. Board of Directors and Elders.

3. Health History and Referrals: N.A.I.C. members keep accurate client records, including body and mind health history profiles. They discuss problems that may contraindicate approved procedures and techniques and refer their clients to appropriate medical or psychological help. Just because we practice Christ-Centered Native, Natural, and Indigenous Medicine and Healing practices and Ceremonies does not imply that we do not respect the tradition of secular medicine.

4. Professional Appearance: N.A.I.C. members and practitioners at all levels pay close attention to cleanliness and professional appearance of self and clothing, linens and equipment, and the office/ contact environment in general. They endeavor to provide a relaxing atmosphere, giving attention to good scheduling and clarity about fees.

5. Charging for Ceremony: N.A.I.C. Independent Branches never charge for ceremonies or sacraments. Any fees/ donations collected may be for hosting, travel expenses for leaders, housing, meals, etc. In plain language, branches can recuperate costs and expenses to provide services, but you cannot charge for the ceremony or sacrament. No exceptions. It is understood that there may be cost associated with obtaining and making sacrament available to members; however, this expense cannot be directly billed to members. N.A.I.C. Authorized Practitioners and above are encouraged to practice and make a good living using their ministry, counseling, and therapy-healing skills. This is considered the “Way of Right Livelihood.” When practiced ethically, morally, and legally it is the basis for support of the individual, their family, this church community, and the community we live in and are a part of. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

6. Communication and Confidentiality: N.A.I.C. members, medicine persons, teachers, educators, therapists, and physicians maintain transparent and honest communications with their clients (N.A.I.C. Members) and keep all client (N.A.I.C. Members) information, whether medical or personal, strictly confidential. We maintain a cleric/ ministrant privilege between the healer, participant/ communicant/ seminarian. The member shall disclose techniques used, appropriately identifying each in the scope of their professional practice.

7. Intention and Trust: N.A.I.C. members are encouraged to establish and maintain trust in the client relationship and to establish clear objectives and boundaries within a safe atmosphere.

8. Respect of Clients: N.A.I.C. Branch members respect the client’s physical and emotional state and do not abuse clients and or N.A.I.C. Members, students, and or other authorized participants in any N.A.I.C.-sanctioned activity through inappropriate actions or speech, nor take advantage of the therapeutic relationship. They consider the client’s comfort zone for touch and the degree of pressure and honor their requests as much as possible within personal, professional, and ethical limits. They acknowledge each person’s inherent worth and individuality and do not discriminate against clients or colleagues unjustly. (We reiterate item #4, #6, #10 of Code of Ethics: Section One)

9 (A). Practice With Integrity: N.A.I.C. members present Christian/ Christ-Centered Ministry, Counseling, and Coaching for other members in every area of life. SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies®: Thai Style Healing Arts, Indigenous and Traditional Medicine, Classical Ayurveda, and Yoga Therapy professionally and compassionately, representing themselves, their lineage, and their practice accurately and ethically. They do not give fraudulent information, misrepresent N.A.I.C. or themselves to students, participants, or clients, nor act derogatory to the nature and positive intention of N.A.I.C. They conduct their business honestly, bringing a good reputation to N.A.I.C. and all the schools. Practitioner members do not give out certificates for which they are not qualified nor give certificates to unqualified persons. Only N.A.I.C. Certified Teachers in good standing or above may give or issue certifications according to their level of authorization and recognition.

9(B). Ethical Behavior to the Church and The Public: N.A.I.C. members of any level (A.P.M., A.F.M., L.C.H.T.) agree that any recognitions, registrations, certifications, and membership are contingent on and issued in respect of agreement with the N.A.I.C. Code of Ethics as a precondition/ condition to participating and or receiving any formal registration, authorization and or certification of any kind from or on behalf of N.A.I.C. Any criminal activity, unethical and or disparaging behaviors which either cause disrespect or attempt to damage, harm, theft, fraud, or defraud (materially and or financially) the N.A.I.C. by any means whatsoever or which causes harm or injury to the welfare, standing, and good name of N.A.I.C. including violations of ministry disclosure, any infringement of the Federally Registered Trademark “SomaVeda®,” unethical, unauthorized, and or misuse or misrepresentation of any proprietary materials, services, certifications, and or it’s authorized representatives, including Ministers, Medicine Persons, Therapist, Practitioners, Physicians, Healers and Certified Teachers is grounds for immediate revocation of membership, authorization and or N.A.I.C. membership and proprietary professional ministerial certifications are effective immediately at the sole discretion of the N.A.I.C.Board of Elders. (We reiterate item #4 of Code of Ethics: Section One)

10. Practice With Courtesy: N.A.I.C. members respect the standards set by the various N.A.I.C. modalities, and they respect Service marks, Trademark, and Copyright Laws. Professional courtesy includes respecting all ethical professionals in speech, writing, and communicating clearly with others. They do not take clients from other practitioners. Improper or prohibited use of our name, logo, and U.S. Trademarked and copyrighted materials without our written permission is strictly prohibited. It will result in immediate expulsion of all rights and privileges and possible criminal or civil prosecution.

10. Professional Excellence: N.A.I.C. members strive for professional excellence by regularly assessing personal and professional strengths and weaknesses and by continued education, diligent study, and training.

Members agree to the above ten standards of our Code of Ethics as a precondition to their being granted recognition and member status. Any infringement or violation of this ethical code is grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of member status and all privileges without notice.

Please Note: Additional N.A.I.C. Code of Ethics additions is required for Branch Elders.

N.A.I.C. ARTICLES OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICE, EDUCATION, AND HEALTHCARE MEMBERSHIP