On Monday, July 8th, friends, family, and community members came together at the NAYA cafetorium to celebrate NAYA’s LEAD graduates. Established in 2008, the LEAD (Leadership, Entrepreneurial, Apprenticeship, and Design) program is a leadership development opportunity designed to support emerging changemakers and community advocates within Native communities. Over the years, it has built an incredibleView Article >
We are thrilled to announce that after an extensive national search, Oscar Arana (Chichimeca) has been appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA). Oscar has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to the mission and values of NAYA. His tenure over the pastView Article >
khwat yaka haws, meaning “Auntie’s Place” in the Chinook language, is a vital resource designed to support Native families experiencing houselessness. Located in Milwaukie, its opening is a significant milestone in NAYA’s ongoing mission to provide culturally specific, comprehensive services to the Native community. The shelter adds a much-needed component to NAYA’s continuum of housingView Article >
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community. For Native American people, this month is also an opportunity to shine a light on our Two Spirit community members. Two Spirit is a term used by some Native American communities to describe individuals who possess both male and female spirits. TheseView Article >
The wonderful return of NAYA’s Foster Care Sibling and Family Enrichment Nights. After a hiatus due to COVID-19, NAYA is proud to announce the return of its Foster Care Sibling and Family Nights, offering a unique opportunity for siblings and families in the foster care system to reconnect through enriching cultural experiences and activities. ForView Article >
In a collaboration that ignited the flames of ambition and opportunity, NAYA joined forces with Portland Community College (PCC) to offer a unique spring camp experience for our high school students. At the heart of this partnership was PCC’s special mobile welding unit, providing campers with a hands-on introduction to the world of welding andView Article >
Return to Community NAYA serves a large and diverse Native American community–60,000 people representing more than 380 tribes. Each member of our community has a unique pathway to thrive and prosper, and NAYA is dedicated to be in service to all. Here’s a look back at some of our acheivements of the past year: View Article >
Ribbon Cutting celebrates NAYA’s third affordable housing development in Cully neighborhood The opening of Hayu Tilixam, meaning “Many Nations” in the Chinook language, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony last month. The third time Community Development Partners (CDP) and NAYA have partnered to provide housing in the Cully neighborhood, Hayu Tilixam offers 50 affordableView Article >
During National Native American Heritage Month we honor the gifts of our ancestors and celebrate our rich diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, while raising awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which Native Americans have worked to rise above these challenges. At NAYA,View Article >
As part of Portland City Council’s approval of clean energy grants this spring, NAYA Family Center is receiving a $3.69 million, 5-year grant from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund for renewable agriculture and green infrastructure. This significant infusion of funds will help NAYA realize its vision of creating a productive and welcoming spaceView Article >