Nesika illahee - “Our Place”

This 59-unit housing development is the first development in the Cully Neighborhood to be co-owned by Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and Community Development Partners (CDP). Nesika Illahee is professionally managed by FPI Management.
‍
Nesika Illahee, meaning “Our Place” in the Chinook language, offers a powerful example of what becomes possible when land, culture, and community are brought back into right relationship. Located in Northeast Portland, this community was created through partnership with the NAYA, CDP, and the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA). It was envisioned not simply as a place to live, but as a place to belong, heal, and grow.

From the beginning, the vision centered Native voices and experiences. The community includes 59 homes designed to support a wide range of residents, including individuals and families rebuilding stability and those on a recovery journey. On site services, shared spaces, and a strong sense of community connection create an environment where people are supported in living full and self-determined lives.

Design plays a central role in shaping that experience. Natural materials, especially wood, are used throughout in ways that reflect both cultural tradition and environmental responsibility. Light filled interiors, shared gathering spaces, and a close relationship to the outdoors create a sense of calm and connection. Art by Native artists is woven into the space, telling stories through form, texture, and color. Every detail contributes to an environment that feels grounded, intentional, and alive.

The design also looks ahead. Homes are created with flexibility in mind, allowing for changes over time as families grow or as Elders and extended relatives come closer together. Shared indoor and outdoor spaces invite connection while still honoring privacy and dignity. This balance supports both independence and community, making it possible for people to remain rooted as their needs evolve.

Nesika Illahee stands as a living example of what can happen when development is guided by culture, community leadership, and long term vision. It shows that it is possible to create places that are not only affordable, but also beautiful, adaptable, and deeply connected to identity. It offers a path forward for others to follow and an invitation to imagine what home can truly be.

‍

Nesika Illahee is professionally managed by FPI Management.

Nesika Illahee is a recovery-oriented community providing an environment that supports people’s recovery journey. Resident services at Nesika Illahee are provided by: Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest.

‍

‍

‍