On September 16, the Portland region’s Native community, NAYA staff, and allies came together for the first in-person powwow in nearly four years. NAYA’s campus was transformed as drummers and dancers gathered in the pavilion, vendors filled the gymnasium with their crafts and wares, and honorees and guests participated in our honoring ceremony. It wasView Article >
On August 28, community members, youth, and elders gathered in anticipation for the first in-person Portland Youth and Elders Council (PYEC) since 2019. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, this meeting was an affirmation of how we thrive when we get together. Long-time friends reconnected with hugs and laughter, and the evening kickedView Article >
It has been an incredible privilege for NAYA’s Health Equity program, alongside the Future Generations Collaborative, to support Portland’s urban Indigenous community during the COVID-19 pandemic. From testing to vaccinations and wraparound support, our team worked diligently to ensure that our community was safe and healthy. We started our testing events at NAYA in 2020View Article >
The journey home The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) was founded in 1974 by parent volunteers, concerned about the low high school graduation rates of their youth. They organized after-school sports and tutoring sessions to keep youth engaged in their education and their community. Over the years, with the same intention of servingView Article >
With the upcoming departure of Paul Lumley, CEO for the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that current Director of Community Development Oscar Arana will serve as the Interim CEO while the Board conducts a national search for the next CEO. “During his tenure, Paul providedView Article >
Dear Friends of NAYA: It is with deep respect and appreciation that I inform you that after more than six years as the CEO of the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), I will be leaving to become the next CEO of Cascade Aids Project (CAP) and notably the first Native American andView 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 >
An integral part of NAYA’s Foster Care Services is helping youth stay connected to their culture while in care. Native youth are deserving of a sense of belonging, and our programs aim to firmly establish feelings of self-worth. May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, so we’re highlighting our culturally appropriate foster care support services. View Article >
(Pictured above: Past participant Elisha Big Back, Northern Cheyenne, in front of her new house) As part of our efforts to build vibrant and sustainable Native communities in the Portland region, NAYA is closing the homeownership gap and turning dreams into reality through our Homeownership Program. Let’s face it, the first-time homebuyers’ journey canView Article >
Native people use sports as an expression of identity and pride, and as a way to stay rooted in community. This is especially true for NAYA, which was founded nearly 50 years ago around youth sports. Today, NAYA recreation and outreach programs continue the tradition of sports, using basketball to teach life lessons that goView Article >