EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE PORTLAND AREA
SUMMER 2014
youth summer programming success 1. NAYA’s four summer programs were a success. Visit page 4 for photo recap on
Camp Nanich, Camp Rise, 9th Grade Leaders, and Camp Ascend and read about summer programming on our blog: nayapdx.org/blog
2. Community came to partake in Native American traditions, heritage and art at the annual Neerchokikoo Powwow. The powwow featured an honoring ceremony that celebrated community partners and volunteers. View more pictures on page 2 and visit NAYA’s Facebook powwow album.
3. Aspiring Native artist Alecia McConnell, Umatilla, met
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Cecily and Cecil Quintana, the owners of Quintana Galleries, through NAYA’s Independent Living Program. The Quintana’s offered Alecia a summer internship and an opportunity to meet and work with some of the Northwest’s premier Native American Artists. Read more about Alecia’s story on page 7.
4. Chxi San Playgroup has resumed play days for children ages 0-5 3. 4.
to enjoy a structured environment with their parents and families. Children can interact with one another in culturally-specific play with books, toys, activities, and snacks. All are welcome. Visit nayapdx.org/events for the schedule.
5. The Spotted Eagle, Blackfeet, and Allman, Nez Perce/Sioux, family have been active NAYA participants for many years. The homeownership program supported the purchase of their first home in November 2013. Their journey included NAYA’s annual Homeownership Fair which provides resources for those renting, owning, and looking to purchase a home. Read more about the Spotted Eagle and Allman family on page 6.
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6. NAYA’s Gala celebration will be held at the Portland Art Museum on Friday,
November 14th. Celebrating 40 years of service and Native American Heritage Month, the gala will bring together local leaders, Elders, and community members to support the work of educating youth and supporting families.
7. Four NAYA Youth experienced a week in Washington D.C. through the program
Democracy In Action. Youth received tours of the Capitol building, met with Congressional leaders, explored D.C., and contributed to drafting bills. Turn to page 5 or visit NAYA’s Facebook photo albums to view more pictures of these future leaders.
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
dance, drum, fun at naya powwow
community showed up to celebrate heritage and tradition at the neerchokikoo powwow
The 5th annual Neerchokikoo Powwow celebrated traditional dance, music, food, and arts. Veterans, community members, partners, and volunteers were acknowledged for their dedication to serving NAYA at the Honoring Ceremony. Below are a few pictures from the day. Visit NAYA’s Facebook album for more photos.
cherokee picnic gathering at naya
the chief principle of the cherokee nation comes to portland for summer picnic
Summer is not complete without a picnic, and the Cherokee gathering, the first time being held in Portland, was an amazing opportunity for friends to gather and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker spoke about tradition, heritage, and the strength of Portland’s Native American community. 2
Principal Chief Bill John Baker joined local Cherokee Natives and community to honor local individuals and Elders with appreciation certificates for preserving Cherokee customs and heritage. Cherokee Nation photo ID cards were available and people shared a potluck meal. There were even opportunities to learn traditional Cherokee arts, and cultural activities included basket making.
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
head start kids enjoy summer camp
by Carrie Green, family Services advocate
2014 was our third year of Summer Camp for children going into kindergarten and 1st grade. In partnership with PPS and Applegate school (where our Head Start classrooms are held during the school year), Camp Nanich was an amazing and a great experience for our young learners. Camp offered a wide variety of activities; camp staff worked together to provide experiences in cultural arts, contemporary arts, cultural education, sports, yoga, literacy, dramatic play, biking, splash pad at the park, climbing structure, swings, building, games and lots of singing. One of our main focuses was to build strong social and emotional skills within our children; we did this by incorporating NAYA core values into our curriculum and fostering healthy interaction and play between friends. We invited community members to Fun day in the sun at the park splash pad with join us, including a visit from the library. All camp kids signed Camp Counselor Lluvia Merello and kids. up for the summer reading program and participated in 30 minutes of quiet reading each day. The Fire Department brought their huge fire truck, Mounted Police came with three beautiful horses, the Humane Society educated us on dog safety, NAYA’s Executive Director, Matt Morton, joined us for circle time, and the most important guests we had were our Elders. We had many activities, books, and songs. It was a fun summer at Camp Nanich!
naya youth honored at conference
by Crystal cox, Pathways to adulthood Coordinator
NAYA Independent Living Program (ILP) youth Jakob Anderson was honored at the Native Wellness Conference for Leadership on June 23-26. NAYA’s ILP youth program participated in the 2014 Native Youth Leadership Athletic and Adventure Academy (NYLAAA), hosted by the Native Wellness Institute. During this event, NAYA ILP Youth Jakob Anderson an enrolled member of the Cherokee, Tsalagi, was honored by Charles Tailfeathers, Cree/ Blackfeet, a Native Wellness Board Member and Elder. Jakob was recognized in the closing NYLAAA ceremony with an Eagle feather for his outstanding leadership during the event. Throughout the event, NAYA ILP youth exercised their bodies and their Warrior Spirits on and off the court and playing field. They participated in football, basketball, weightlifting, traditional games, dance and more. They learned about team building, wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, leadership, culture and spirituality. There were many laughs, and the youth were able to make great friends Charles Tailfeathers, Cree/Blackfeet & from all over Indian Country. During all of these events, Jakob NAYA Youth Jakob Anderson, Cherokee, Tsalagi, pose for a photo after Jakob was was always the first to volunteer, and shared with other Native honored with an Eagle feather for his youth American youth about his life experience in a positive way. leadership. 3
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
youth enjoy summer camps at naya
Over the summer NAYA hosted four youth summer camps. Our youngest kids entering Kindergarten and 1st grade participated in Camp Nanich. Camp Rise provided youth in grades 2 - 8 opportunities to learn and play at OMSI, OHSU, and much more. 9th Grade Leaders camp is specifically for students entering high school in the fall, and Summer Ascend, a credit recovery program, allowed students to make up to 1.5 credits over the summer in Language Arts, Biology, and Physical Education. For more photos and to read about camp, visit our blog at nayapdx.org/blog.
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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
naya Youth in DC
Democracy in Action sponsored four NAYA youth, and about 20 other Oregon students, for a trip to Washington DC to meet Congressional Representatives, tour the Capitol, and see famous monuments. These future leaders were actively involved in drafting a variety of bills that exposed them to the nations most pressing issues. Youth also met with Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden (pictured left) and discussed issues important to Oregonians.
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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
Homeless Youth Connect in nature
by jay cacka, Youth development advocate
The Homeless Youth program had fun adventures on a camping trip in September at Kingfisher campground near Bagby Hot Springs. Nine youth from NAYA, Outside In and New Avenues For Youth went on an incredible trip in the woods. We learned a lot and had some great stories to tell. We took a night hike to Bagby and then hiked in again the next day. Youth told stories around the fire, enjoyed drumming late into the night, contemplated swimming in the flowing river, got sticky fingers indulging in s’mores, and learned how to start a fire with damp sticks. We also attempted to soak in a large tub with only a trickle of hot water, packed up wet tents, realized that each pebble is a Buddha, scared off scary clowns at night, and made some great new friends. Overall it was a good experience and the participants took away an appreciation for their time in nature. They learned new skills and had a wonderful time with one another.
a Family’s homeownership journey
by Kaeti Namba, Communication coordinator
“We quite possibly have been in the homeownership program longer than anyone else at NAYA,” says Angelique Spotted Eagle, Blackfeet, about her family’s experience buying their first home. Angelique, her husband James Allman, Nez Perce/Sioux, and their son Julius have enjoyed their first year in their home, eating vegetables from their backyard garden, sharing meals with family and friends, and not worrying about apartment neighbors. As first time home owners, the Spotted Eagle/Allman family relied on the knowledge and expertise of NAYA’s homeownership program to guide them through the process. Financial wellness classes, homeownership workshops, fairs, IDAs, and one-on-one mentoring from Loretta Kelly, NAYA’s Homeownership Program Manager, supported the family through their journey. The homeownership program eased fears Angelique and James had about updating their credit scores, saving for down payment and learning new techniques to be creative with finances. Five year old Julius enjoys sitting in front of their fireplace in the winter and picking tomatos from their garden in the summer. The family enjoys their home and creating new memories. For more information on creating your own vision of homeownership visit nayapdx.org/homeownership. 6
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2014
Youth thrives in art internship
Foster Youth furthers her artistic talents in art environment
Alecia McConnell’s, Umatilla, passion for art is what helped her persevere through some difficult life situations. As a foster youth, Alecia has had obstacles connecting with her traditional heritage while living in a non-Native foster home. NAYA has provided Alecia cultural arts programming and holistic support services that allowed her to build relationships with community members, such as Cecil Quintana and his daughter, Cecily. The artistic talent that Alecia possesses was displayed at NAYA in August, through the support of the Independent Living Program, a transition program for foster youth moving toward independence. It was also at this time that Quintana Galleries reached out to Alecia for a summer internship opportunity. The Quintana family opened their hearts and doors for Alecia to gain valuable professional, business, and art experience over the summer. Alecia was immersed in Native American art, which helped her grow as an artist and expand upon her widening artistic abilities. Alecia’s favorite part of the internship was meeting professional artists, and being introduced by Cecily as “an upcoming artist.” Cecil and Cecily Quintana pose for a selfie with Alecia McConnell (middle) to celebrate a successful summer internship at Quintana Galleries.
Now a senior in high school, Alecia has plans to continue her ambition of connecting with her Native American roots through artistic expression. Alecia is also a strong advocate for Foster youth and Native American teens. She has provided public testimony for the Portland Public School Board, City Council, and the Portland Children’s Levy committee.
celebrate native heritage month
naya gala will celebrate indigenous leadership
November is Native American Heritage Month and NAYA will hold it’s annual Gala at the Portland Art Museum on November 14th. Last year’s sold out event hosted more than 560 guests, including community partners, Tribal leaders, elected officials, and those dedicated to the education and success of our youth, families, and Elders.
Thank you to our Sponsors
In partnership with Ecotrust, Comcast, Legacy Health and the Portland Development Commission, all funds raised will make it possible for NAYA to continue offering a myriad of services to the Native American community. NAYA welcomes attendees to bid on silent and live auction items, including valuable Native art work, antique baskets, original paintings, stunning jewelry, and one-of-a-kind experience packages. NAYA’s partnertnership with Ecotrust will honor Indigenous leadership and Ecotrust’s Indigenous leadership award honorees will be recognized at the gala. These are leaders who have made significicant contributions across Salmon Nation. 7
The Native American Youth and Family Center 5135 NE COLUMBIA BLVD. PORTLAND, OR 97218-1201 p:503.288.8177 f:503.288.1260 nayapdx.org
NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO 2851
INSIDE Neerchokikoo Powwow NAYA Summer Camps Youth Leadership in DC Art Internship at quintana gallery naya gala november 14th
save the date
City proclAmation of native american heritage month November 5th, 2014, 9:30am Portland City Council 1221 SW 4th Ave Portland, OR 97204