Portland Youth and Elders Council (PYEC) is a grassroots advocacy group housed at NAYA Family Center. PYEC is open to everyone interested in building a strong civic connection with the local Native American community.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

PYEC began as part of a regional effort to reduce poverty in urban Indian communities, to develop greater community ties and advocate for improving the quality of life for Native Americans in urban areas. Today, PYEC continues to use community-based research and inclusive community input to provide community members with the opportunity to stay involved and informed about issues that directly impact them. PYEC gives Native youth and elders an opportunity to have their voices heard through safe and meaningful dialogues.

OUR MISSION

Strengthen the quality of life for the Native American community through the practice of cultural values and traditions by encouraging civic participation in political and non-political actions which help to protect our community and guide systems changes.

OUR PURPOSE

Unity: Bring Native American community, families, and organizations together.

Cross-Generational Conversation: Strengthen ties between youth, adults, and Elders.

Advocacy: Make Native American issues a priority in our community.

Learning: Share and pass on tradition and history.

ATTEND

In 2025, Meetings will be held every other month beginning in January. The first meeting of the year will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 and  more details can be found here.