On June 25, 2025, a special kind of sanctuary celebrated its first anniversary in Portland. khwat yaka haws, meaning “Auntie’s Place” in the Chinook language, has spent the past year redefining what shelter can look like for Indigenous families experiencing homelessness. From the beginning, Auntie’s Place was designed differently. Unlike traditional shelters that often separateView Article >
When a Native grandmother lost her daughter to police violence in Nevada in 2021, her world shattered. After taking leave from her job at Intel to fight for justice, she found herself broke and homeless with her son and grandson, living in their car. “I emailed everybody, I think, everybody that worked here for theView Article >
NAYA is ecstatic to share the news that Paul Lumley, Yakama, has chosen to return to NAYA in an exciting new role as Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). Paul has a proven leadership track record and has played a critical role in growing and strengthening NAYA’s programs. Please join us in welcoming his return! “NAYA andView Article >
Yesterday marked an historic milestone for NAYA and the Native American community in Portland as we officially celebrated the grand opening of the newly redeveloped Tistilal Village. After years of planning, construction, and community collaboration, we gathered to cut the ribbon on 58 beautiful new affordable housing units that represent so much more than justView Article >
The Urgent Call to Protect Small Business Support As Portland’s small business community faces a critical moment, entrepreneurs across the city are raising their voices to protect vital resources that have been a lifeline for many. The proposed elimination of $13.1 million in general fund dollars from Prosper Portland threatens to dismantle years of intentionalView Article >
Portland’s economic recovery is finally gaining momentum. Yet at this critical juncture, Portland’s small business ecosystem faces a serious threat. The Urgent Moment Two City Council members, Councilors Mitch Green and Jamie Dunphy, have proposed budget cuts that would slash millions from Prosper Portland’s core functions. Their proposal would cut all of the $13.1 millionView Article >
Native foster youth in the Portland metro area can find stability, cultural practice, and community connection at NAYA. As we commemorate National Foster Care Awareness Month, we spotlight NAYA’s Foster Care Support program and the remarkable achievements of foster youth finding their way with cultural connection as their compass. For Indigenous youth aging out* ofView Article >
We are proud to release our special 50th Anniversary Report to all of our community members and supporters. For more than 50 years, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift Native youth, families, and communities. What began as a grassroots effort in 1974 has grown intoView Article >
As we celebrate Earth Day this month, we are reminded of the deep connection between Land, food, and community. At the NAYA Family Center, we take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of Indigenous Food Sovereignty and the work we do to cultivate Native First Foods in our garden, Wapas Nah Née Shaku. TheseView Article >
Recent news regarding eviction notices at NAYA’s affordable housing properties has raised questions from community members. We share the following facts in hopes of clarifying the situation. The difference between non-payment notices and actual evictions is important. Several residents in NAYA housing have recently received non-payment notices, but most of these notices are resolved withoutView Article >