“NAYA is known for a fierce advocacy for the urban Native Americans. I’m not sure that 20 years ago there was such a way of even talking about the population. What NAYA did was make the invisible visible in this region.” NAYA is recognized for its ability to create clear and consistent messaging and bring people into networks. A funder described NAYA’s deep commitment to leadership and policy and advocacy work as a “sustainable investment,” noting that once people understand civic engagement, “no one can take that knowledge away from you.” A community partner echoed this emphasis on engagement and awareness, saying, “Communication and information is one of the best things that NAYA does. For example, NAYA [makes] people aware of the things they are eligible to get—of their own power. Portland has the ninth largest4 urban Native community in the U.S. This is known in the Asian community, white community, Black community. That is messaging consistency. NAYA brought the two Native congressional members to their community. They inform and expose them to the larger world.” Through the numerous political connections NAYA’s leadership has cultivated over the years and the expanding presence of the Community Development department’s advocacy team, NAYA has amplified the voices of the Native community. NAYA is present at key tables where policy decisions are made, coalitions are formed, stakeholders are directed or influenced, and funds are allocated. As one community partner said, “NAYA is always at every single table. They’ve elevated that [Native] profile and presence.”
One community partner reflected that “NAYA has a lot of clout locally and at the state level with being able to advocate for the Native community. I’m not suggesting that’s easy, but I think NAYA has a really strong reputation.” The process is often challenging since the needs of the community are so diverse and there is historical distrust in non-tribal government. NAYA’s advocacy team starts by connecting with the community and building relationships to “create trust in the process.” This approach leads to greater engagement from community members and eventually the ability to “influence those in our community who lead.” Not everyone responds well to a Native organization deliberately working to take up more space and power on behalf of its community. NAYA’s approach challenges others with its insistence on community first, pride in Native cultural identity, and fight for greater Native visibility. A funder noted that NAYA receives pushback for seeking to place Native leaders in positions of power. They mused, “NAYA is perceived as arrogant for being on the front end, for having [their] own people run for office. NAYA has been fierce in holding true to knowing that [Native people] are powerful and have power. No one’s giving that to [Natives], and [they] don’t have to feel sorry for that. NAYA pays a price for that. It makes me love NAYA even more. NAYA is relentless.” This “relentless” advocacy gives IDA participants hope for the future and points towards renewal for the Native community. Many talked about giving their children different experiences from what they grew up with. One participant who
Tis statement was based on 2010 Census data. Portland’s ranking is projected to change once the 2020 Census data are tabulated. 4
27 Balance and Belonging: Empowerment Economics and Community Development at NAYA
