Policy Advocacy for Native Power

In Mamook Tokatee, NAYA has incorporated Native art, architecture, and alignment with the land into the design of the building, literally building the tradition of Native storytelling through art in its foundation. For example, the courtyard will comprise plants and concrete etchings that tell a Native story of a coyote stealing food to give to other animals, an allegory of sharing with the community. An indoor community space will feature artwork specifically designed for Native children living in Mamook Tokatee. Some apartment units look out onto the west hills, while others have sweeping views of Loowit (Mount St. Helens).

“We’re on the verge of creating a cultural corridor by NAYA and creating a sense of cultural community near NAYA.”

- NAYA staff

While most businesses and residents are excited about the new developments, knowing that these construction projects will bring new opportunities to the Cully neighborhood, not all Portland residents value the expansion of this cultural corridor. NAYA regularly faces pushback in the form of false narratives and racist questioning from “an entitled class that’s used to getting services.” Detractors frequently question how and why NAYA receives funding for its development projects. This type of resistance is common when the success of Tribal or BIPOC communities challenges longstanding, inequitable racial power dynamics. However, the organization persists, because, as one staff said, “Our work speaks for itself.” Through these Native-focused housing developments, NAYA is “re-indigenizing” Cully and bringing Native people back to Portland. For some families, Portland is their ancestral land. For many others, the city was once their home until they were priced out. NAYA is bringing the Native community together and creating a thriving corridor of Native businesses, cultural events, and community resources.

Policy Advocacy for Native Power

In addition to providing services and building community, NAYA works to address injustices against the Native community through policy. With a comprehensive policy agenda and a dedicated community advocacy team, the organization builds Native sovereignty by amplifying community voices at the city, county, and state level. NAYA connects community members with legislators, coordinates testimony drives and phone banks, organizes an annual Legislative Day of Action, and provides resources for civic engagement. As a funder noted, “They show up and advocate for policy changes and program innovation.” In 2020, NAYA established the NAYA Action Fund, a 501(c)4 that focuses on advocating for policies that benefit the urban Native community. The NAYA Action Fund seeks to guarantee that Native American voices are at the table through legislative action, political engagement, and civic empowerment.xxv NAYA also partners with other Tribal and BIPOC-led nonprofits and communitybased organizations in rich community alliances, lending greater political power to all partners. For example, NAYA is a founding member of the Coalition of Communities of Color and the Oregon Economic Justice Roundtable, both of which seek to collectively further the work of economic and racial justice and uplift the voices of communities of color.