ENHANCING THE LIVES OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE PORTLAND AREA MAR 15 2017

DeVonntae, Pomo, Senior, has dreams of studying Environmental Science after graduation

A Foundation of Success

We’re celebrating the success of our youth at the NAYA’s Early College Academy (ECA) Luncheon April 26, 2017, and invite you to be a part of the celebration! Last year thirteen of our ECA students received their diplomas; these students simply would not have graduated had they not changed course and come to our school. Join us for lunch and support our on-site high school!
You can help students like DeVonntae Amundson, Pomo. DeVonntae joined us after dropping out of school when he was homeless two years ago. When he first enrolled at NAYA’s ECA, he was dealing with depression and poor health. NAYA staff helped him get health insurance, and accompanied him to his doctors’ appointments. Here is what he has to say about how the ECA changed his life:

"Coming to the ECA doesn't feel like I'm coming to school, it feels like I'm coming home. I've always felt loved when coming here. NAYA is the foundation of all of my success. While attending the ECA I've always felt I have a strong support team and that with a little hard work I can do whatever I put my mind to. If I stayed at [my last school] I would not be where I am now- I owe everything to NAYA and staff." - DeVonntae Amundson, Pomo

The ECA student body is comprised of 93% students of color and culturally-specific, holistic services that support the whole child really does make a difference. We hope you will joining us!

Tickets

Portland Youth and Elders Council Reconvene Steering Committee

Portland Youth and Elders Council (PYEC) is a grassroots advocacy group housed at NAYA Family Center and is open to everyone interested in building a strong civic connection with the local Native American community. At the monthly PYEC meeting last night, attendees voted in a Steering Committee comprised of three youth, four adults and two Elders. The Steering Committee will offer a governance structure and help to create meeting agendas. The conclusions the group reached last night are the beginning of a larger discussion and having a community-based, participatory approach is a fundamental value of the Council. PYEC’s current focus is on creating space for inter-generational relationship building and tradition sharing, policy work regarding poverty reduction and environmental justice and supporting the Canoe Family journey. PYEC is held the second Tuesday of the month, 6-8pm.

Native Professionals and Friends Night

Join us April 6th at the Regional Arts and Culture Council for a springtime edition of NPFN!

We encourage everyone to preregister to avoid the registration line the day of and so you have the chance to participate in multiple raffles throughout the evening. Bring your friends, family, and coworkers for an enjoyable evening of fun festivities and networking.

Each year NAYA hosts spring break camps for K-8th and 9-12th graders. As always we play traditional games, make cultural arts projects, go on inspiring field trips and have fun! Inquire today, spaces are filling up!

Founded by the community, for the community, NAYA is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. You can help make a difference in the lives of so many families here in the Portland area with a gift to the area of most need.

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