“Some reports say that the word, Powwow, has its origin from the Pawnee word, pa-wa, meaning, “to eat.” Other sources say the word is of Algonquin origin and was originally pronounced pauau, which indicates a gathering of people for the purpose of celebration or an important event. In any case, it is a special timeView Article >
Native Youth and Family Center celebrates first summer of Resurgence School News release* 8/10/18 Portland, OR Above: Youth receive a lesson from Suzie Slockish at the salmon bake. On August 3rd, the Native American Youth and Family Center celebrated its final day of Resurgence School – an experimental, project-based summer program that helps youth developView Article >
An Intersection Between Indigenous Knowledge and High School Education. This summer NAYA received funding to develop a pilot project in experiential Indigenous education. With support from the National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), NAYA will host youth from July 2nd to August 3rd in the Resurgence Summer School. This year’s theme is “Responsibility to Ourselves,View Article >
Each year, NAYA’s gymnasium transforms into a bustling and festive marketplace – showcasing work from some of Portland’s finest Native American artists. In response to multiple requests from vendors at our Winter Marketplace, last year NAYA’s Community Development team decided to offer a Spring Marketplace to provide greater opportunities for Native business owners to meetView Article >
Meet Deanna Wohlgemuth, owner and creative mind behind Rock On Jewelry and Tin Cantina, LLC in Portland! Thanks to the Oregon IDA Initiative and NAYA’s Micro-Enterprise classes, Deanna began her own successful business making and selling incredible jewelry from salvaged materials, and tending bar from her vintage trailer at events. Our Micro-Enterprise classes receive generous support from ProsperView Article >
Many Native American Tribes throughout Turtle Island look to the heavens to mark significant times and seasons. As the new year approaches, we take the opportunity to reflect. Looking back, we celebrate our community’s passion, dedication and hard work, and share our gratitude for the outstanding progress we have all made. And, we thank YOU,View Article >
A decade ago, NAYA embarked on a journey to build a stronger network of Native leaders through an initiative called the Oregon LEAD Program. A nationwide effort developed by a coalition of nonprofits and the First Nations Development Institute, LEAD (Leadership and Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Development) works to build cross-cultural empowerment and leadership. In 2012, OregonView Article >
In 2010 NAYA participated in a research project conducted by the Coalition of Communities of Color. This project produced the report many are familiar with called Native Americans in Multnomah County: An Unsettling Profile. Our community has been using the data contained in this report to advocate for positive change. Participants in the Portland Indian LeadersView Article >
For almost 10 years, NAYA’s Oregon LEAD Program has evolved as a staple for building Native leadership in the Portland Metro Area and across Oregon’s tribal communities. Originally, as a part of the First Nations Development Institute, LEAD stood for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Development. At that time, LEAD focused primarily on Native non-profit managementView Article >
Recently our organization tested the campus soil for heavy metals and contaminants, see test results and a message from our Executive Director below. Thirteen metal contaminants were tested and the results do not indicate a need for cleanup or further protections. We’d like to thank NAYA Environmental Safety Team (NEST) and the Apex Labs for theirView Article >