Our annual powwow returns to Neerchokikoo

NAYA’s Annual Neerchokikoo Powwow is a celebration of Native American history, culture, and cultural arts. Since 2010, the powwow has welcomed the community to gather to celebrate culture through dance, music, art and food. The Neerchokikoo Powwow also honors partners, volunteers and donors whose contributions to NAYA’s work has enhanced the lives of our youth, families and elders over the past year.

Traditional drumming and dance for women and men of all ages are performed throughout the day, as well as exhibitions from our tiny tots, youth and multi-generational groups. Participants dance, drum and sing in their own styles, as Portland is home to a large and diverse Native population representing members from 380 different tribes.

Native Artisan Fair

In addition to the dance exhibitions, Native artisans and venders supported by NAYA’s microenterprise services offer beautiful prints, jewelry and other items for sale. Delicious fry bread and Indian tacos are available for purchase.

Return to Neerchokikoo

Our annual powwow is named for the village that previously occupied these lands that is now NAYA’s home. Neerchokikoo was once a thriving fishing village and a year-round encampment located next to the Columbia Slough and near by the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. In June of 2006, NAYA moved to this site and asked the Chinook leaders for permission to set up our work on this land. We are honored that permission was granted. In June of 2023, with the help of our donors and partners, NAYA was able to retire our mortgage debt, reclaiming our home at Neerchokikoo.

The powwow is free to the public.