Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)

Founded by the community, for the community, NAYA is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. We provide culturally-specific programs and services that guide our people in the direction of personal success and balance through cultural empowerment. Our continuum of lifetime services create a wraparound, holistic healthy environment that is Youth Centered, Family Driven, Elder Guided.

Our Mission

to enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education

Our Community

40,000 people live in Portland, the 9th largest urban Indian community in the United States.

Our Challenges

• In Multnomah County, according to the 2000 census, 25 percent of the Native population earns less than $10,000 per year, and 25 percent earns less than $24,000 per year. This means that fully half of our people live in deep poverty.
• Our community is over-represented in child welfare, homelessness, and incarceration, and experiences high levels of hunger, preventable illness, and early pregnancy. Native youth in Portland have the lowest high school graduation rate of any ethnic group.
• Despite obstacles, our community continues to grow and thrive, remaining rooted in our shared heritage as the inhabitants of these lands since time immemorial.
• NAYA Family Center continues to seek solutions to community challenges. Our community has the answers, and NAYA facilitates the ongoing discussion about the culturally-specific services and programs that best fit our needs.

Our Programs

NAYA Family Center draws on the strengths of staff and volunteers to provide inclusive programming for Native Americans from infant to Elder. Explore our Services to learn more about the supports we provide the community.