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“This church is incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
The original Articles of Incorporation were filed . . ., April 7, 1950 . . . and subsequently amended on October 12, 1955 to its current name
The Native American Church of North America.”
~NACNA Bylaws, 6/19/2010
For Immediate Release
Rio Grande City, Texas
February 14, 2026
2026 NACNA MID-YEAR MEETING
By Cory Dayish, NACNA Delegate-at-Large, New Mexico
Relatives, friends, and colleagues, greetings. On February 14, 2026, I participated in the Native American Church of North America’s Mid-Year Meeting in Rio Grande City, Texas.
I joined fellow NACNA Delegates-at-Large from across Indian Country, the NACNA executive officers, and the broader NAC community. For decades, the NACNA has held its Mid-Year meeting in south Texas. As a Next Generation member of NAC-State of New Mexico, I appreciate the opportunity to serve as NACNA Delegate-at-Large for the State of New Mexico.
In 2026, the NAC-State of New Mexico will enter its 45th year of service. As we step into this next chapter, it is a privilege to continue the engagement.
Summary of oral report given at the NACNA Mid-Year Meeting.
I. Ahéhee’ (thank you) and gratitude for condolences.
Ahéhee’ (thank you). I extend heartfelt gratitude to the NAC organizations and the broader NAC community for their thoughtful and supportive messages following the loss of our grandmother and matriarch, the late Hazel Dayish. She humbly exemplified devoutness. She joined us at this meeting in 2025, and we miss her physical presence today. Thank you for holding us in your thoughts and hearts.
She, along with my late grandfather Frankie Dayish, were co-founders of the NAC-State of New Mexico. After a decade or so of formation discussions, travels across Indian Country, and building enduring friendships…on February 22, 1981, at Tree Meadows, Navajo Nation, Shiprock, New Mexico, Frankie and Hazel Dayish gathered friends and relatives in the Dayish home to discuss incorporating an organization to support the NAC community. On July 27, 1981, the NAC-SNM was incorporated. It has served the Native American Church throughout Indian Country since that time.
II. What is the WIPO Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Treaty?
For framework, let me start by noting that there are over 476 million indigenous people living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2 per cent of the global population. Indigenous peoples across the globe, including Tribal Nations in the U.S. and the First Nations in Canada, have a strong connection to their lands, and have distinct languages, cultures, beliefs and knowledge systems.
A global issue shared by Indigenous Peoples is the misuse, misappropriation, and exploitation of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions without the consent of, and benefit-sharing with, their rightful holders.
In that regard, since 2000, the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) established an Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (“IGC”). The principal objective of the IGC’s work since its formation has been to develop a balanced and effective international legal framework for the protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions, with a goal to prevent the misuse, misappropriation, and exploitation of these resources.
After two decades of diplomacy, the WIPO Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Treaty was adopted in May 2024. A few highlights of the Treaty are:
- Genetic Resources is described as “genetic material of plant”, which would include medicinal plants used in traditional ceremonies by Native Peoples.
- Traditional Knowledge is described as “knowledge, know-how, skills and practices that are developed, sustained and passed on from generation to generation within a community, often forming part of its cultural or spiritual identity.”
- It is the first international agreement to protect intellectual property rights related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
- Would require patent applicants to disclose the origin of these resources to prevent appropriation and ensure transparency.
- Encourages benefit-sharing and consent, meaning Indigenous communities should be consulted and compensated when their knowledge is used.
The Treaty will take effect after it has been ratified by 15 countries. To date, two countries have ratified the Treaty.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you would like more information.
NAC-SNM extends its gratitude to NACNA officers and its governing body for their leadership. Safe travels.
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