2025 Orisa Community Conference Workshop Descriptions

Developing a Board of Ethics and Mediation
Faciliator: Baba Richard Onque
90 min.

Description: Though the teachings of Ifa and Orisa emphasize the importance of iwa rere (good character) and iwa pele (gentle character), the Orisa Community lacks the necessary organization to successfully address ethical concerns and mediate community conflict.  At the 1st Annual Orisa Community Conference in 2024, conference attendees overwhelmingly stated the need to have a Board consisting of community members who demonstrate good character and have the skills to mediate conflict and deliberate over and address ethical concerns. 

Participants in this conversation will lay the groundwork in developing a local Board of Ethics and Mediation.  They will begin by:

  • Developing a Board of Ethics and Mediation description

  • Deciding on the characteristics of the members of the Board of Ethics and Mediation (Initiation status, age, service to the community, gender balance, profession, etc.) 

  • Consider the challenges that may arise from having a Board of Ethics and Mediation

Ancestors and Spirit Guides 
Presenter: Baba Richard Onque
90 min.

Description: Developing relationships with ancestors and spirit guides is a foundational practice in the Orisa tradition. This workshop teaches the difference between ancestors and spirit guides and provides practical tools and techniques to venerate ancestors and learn to interpret the messages and influences of both ancestors and spirit guides. 

Certification Process for Priests
Facilitator: Iya Darasia Selby
90 min.

Description: According to an Orisa Community survey administered by the Orisa Community Development Corporation, 41% of respondents identified “Initiates Starting Iles without Training” as one of the top three structural issues facing the Orisa Community. This community conversation centers on developing a process for training and certifying priests to ensure that initiates are starting iles with the appropriate guidance and training. 

Participants will consider the following:

  • What should initiates be required to learn before having godchildren and leading iles?

  • Who is responsible for training initiates and how do we compensate for the current lack of training?

  • How should initiates demonstrate their training and what ceremonial rites can be given to initiates once their training is complete?