Dear Community, As we process the results of the 2024 presidential election, I know many of us are feeling uncertain and even afraid of what the future holds. Our people have faced incredible challenges time and again, including attempts to erase our existence and culture. Yet, we resist, persevere, and continue to preserve our traditionsView Article >
November is National Native American Heritage Month. In the heart of the Cully Neighborhood in Portland, NAYA plays a vital role in creating a space where Native people can gather to practice culture and traditions that span generations. Through culturally specific programs, services, and events, NAYA fosters a sense of belonging, empowering Native youth and familiesView Article >
Indigenous People’s Day is our day to celebrate who we are – the original inhabitants of this land. It’s a time when we honor our ancestors, their wisdom, and the rich cultures they’ve passed down to us. This day represents our resilience in the face of centuries of colonization, displacement, and attempts to erase ourView Article >
Voting is a powerful tool for change, especially for the Native community in the Portland region, where our voices are often overlooked. This November, the stakes are high, and Native communities across the U.S. have a chance to influence major elections. NAYA’s Government Affairs Manager, William Miller, stresses the need to take part in theView Article >
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 >