ʔu gʷlapu, haʔɫ syaʔyaʔ! (Hello, good friend!) On behalf of the NAYA Family Center Board of Directors, staff and community, I’d like to thank our community partners, sponsors and supporters whose generosity made the 11th Annual NAYA Gala a success. NAYA brought 600 guests together to celebrate Native American Heritage month by Honoring Indigenous Leadership withView Article >
November is National Native American Heritage Month. Governor Kitzhaber, the City of Portland, and jurisdictions nationwide recognize this yearly event as an opportunity to celebrate the heritage of the inhabitants of this land since time immemorial. This event is a potent reminder that our elected officials are responsive to our community and can take actionView Article >
Rey España, Latino and Yaqui, was an honored recipient of the 10th Annual Oregon Native American Chamber of Commerce Gathering with the prestigious “Warrior Award.” The awards recognize Native and non-Native leaders that have made significant contributions to the business and economic development efforts of the Native American community. “In 2004, when NAYA was still onView Article >
2014 is a big year for NAYA, as we celebrate 40 years of service, bringing together community to sustain tradition and revitalize culture. All year long, NAYA employees have been recognized by prestigious local organizations for their contributions to a vibrant Native community. Early in 2014, Executive Director Matthew Morton, Squaxin Island, was voted oneView Article >
by Cary Watters, Tlingit, Community Engagement Manager NAYA’s Community Engagement Department has been busy over this past year. Advocacy work, leadership development, community conversations and volunteer coordination all keep us inspired and honored to serve this amazing community. Below we give you our ranking of the top 10 Community Engagement moments from this past year.View Article >
by Daniel Rowell, Camp Coordinator Summer Camp Rise was held from July 7th through August 1st. We had 79 students attend camp this year. Students ranging from the 2nd – 8th grades participated in the camp. These students showed up each day with a smile and excited to enjoy the wide array of activities weView Article >
This week, NAYA youths Quin Clark, Blackfoot & Cherokee, Logan Chapman, Seneca Cayuga, Lesly Vera, Mexican Indigenous, and Davineekaht White Elk, Ute & Blackfoot, four student representatives from Portland’s Native community traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a youth leadership development program. The students had a chance to meet elected leaders, tour historic sites, visitView Article >
NAYA was the clear victor in a one-day fundraising contest which brought nearly $100,000 to United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. The effort, #morethan24, asked donors to give more than $24 over the course of a single day. NAYA led the pack of 30 local non-profits, each worthy of support. The second and third prizes wentView Article >
NAYA is fortunate to have many hardworking volunteers to support in different departments and programming across the organization. After school tutoring, tax assistance, gardening, childcare assistance and kitchen crew members are just a few of the volunteer activities at NAYA Family Center. We want to highlight the talents of our community. Viktor Kholodynk, one ofView Article >
On Monday afternoon, NAYA was the host to the kickoff of Communities of Color United for Marriage, a group of 16 community-based organizations working together in support of the freedom to marry. NAYA’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to endorse marriage equality in October 2013. Candi Brings Plenty, Community Health Advocate, Two Spirit, and mother of two beautiful daughters,View Article >