The Naga American Foundation (NAF) held its biennial conference in Westworth Village/Fort Worth, Texas, on July 11, 12, and 13, 2025. Approximately 200 people attended over the course of three days. The theme of the conference was “Bridging Cultures: Weaving Naga Traditions into the Modern World,” and the event was hosted by the First Naga Baptist Church, Texas.
Keynote speaker Seyie Putsure, CEO and Creative Director of Seyie Design, an interior design firm in Los Angeles, California, shared the story of her upbringing in Kohima, Nagaland, detailing how she moved to the United States as a student and into the world of fashion and interior design. She shared candidly about failures and feelings of imposter syndrome along the way, and how her deepening faith in God has guided her throughout her journey.
The conference included three panel discussions. Wungram Shishak shared the story of his experience with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and how a bone marrow transplant was his last treatment option. Zing Shishak, Wungram’s cousin and bone marrow donor, discussed how he was tested and what the donation process entailed. The medical procedure was immensely successful, and Wungram and Zing bore testament to the power of love, faith, and recovery through God’s grace.
Another panel, which included mental health professionals, discussed the stigma surrounding mental health and how self care, professional help, and support through church and other community resources are much needed.
A multicultural and multigenerational panel delved into a discussion of various aspects of Naga culture following the viewing of a video featuring young Nagas sharing their views on Naga identity. Dolly Kikon and Akum Longchari of RRaD compiled the video.
The conference also included a bazaar, scrumptious Naga meals, and a cultural and talent show featuring dances and music from different regions and tribes.
During Sunday’s concluding worship service, NAF board member Dr. Ren Merry encouraged Nagas to love God wholeheartedly and to share Christ’s message in all interactions in our everyday lives.
About the NAF
The NAF is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-political, cultural, and educational organization that promotes and recognizes Naga culture and heritage in America.
Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1991, the NAF organizes social activities and facilitates educational and cultural opportunities for Nagas and Naga Americans living in the Unites States, including the awarding of two annual scholarships: the InaviSaghu Undergraduate Scholarship and the AryoShishak Graduate Scholarship.
For more information, visit nafconnect.net
Naga American Foundation
info@nafconnect.net
(This article has been published as received without editing.)