Who We Are — NACLOA

The Church

The Native American Church of the Luksi Oka Aiasha (NACLOA) is a federally recognized Native American Church rooted in the sacred traditions of the Choctaw Nation and Indigenous earth-based healing practices. Our name — Luksi Oka Aiasha — translates to People of the Water Turtle, a symbol of Mother Earth, patience, wisdom, and the sacred connection between water and land.

The turtle carries the world on its back. In the same way, we carry forward the sacred traditions entrusted to us — with care, with reverence, and with the understanding that these ways belong not to any one people, but to the earth itself.

Our Roots

NACLOA draws from the deep spiritual wellspring of the Choctaw Nation — one of the oldest continuous cultures on the North American continent. The Choctaw traditions of earth reverence, community ceremony, and connection to the natural world form the foundation of our practice.

While rooted in these ancestral ways, we are non-doctrinal. We do not require members to adopt a specific belief system, abandon their existing faith, or undergo conversion. We believe the Creator speaks through many voices, and all are welcome at the sacred fire.

How We Are Organized

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Council of Elders

NACLOA is governed by a council of elders who guide the spiritual direction and organizational integrity of the church. The council ensures that all activities remain true to our sacred purpose.

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Medicine People

Our ceremonies are led by vetted, trained medicine people who have been recognized by the council. They carry the responsibility of holding sacred space with safety, integrity, and deep spiritual knowledge.

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Members

Our members are the heart of NACLOA. Each person who joins commits to our Code of Ethics and walks the path of sincere religious practice alongside their community.

What We Believe

The Creator is present in all living things — in the water, the fire, the stone, and the sky
Mother Earth is sacred, and our relationship with her must be one of reverence and reciprocity
Healing is the birthright of every human being, and ceremony is the doorway
Community is medicine — we are meant to walk this path together, not alone
The ancient ways are alive and must be preserved for future generations
All people, regardless of race, background, or faith, deserve access to sincere spiritual practice
Safety, integrity, and ethical conduct are non-negotiable in all sacred work

The Turtle Carries Us Forward

Like the turtle, we move with patience and purpose. Every step is sacred. Every gathering is prayer. If you feel called to walk with us, we invite you to learn more.

Join Our Community Explore Ceremonies