NAYA NEWSLETTER EMPOWERING THE LIVES OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE PORTLAND AREA
Fall 2013
CANOE PADDLERS WELCOMED AT CATHEDRAL PARK
BY KAETI NAMBA, COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
Grand Ronde Community Canoe at Cathedral Park
The Pacific Northwest is home to many Native American tribes that traditionally traveled and traded via waterways. Remembering local ancestors and customs of canoe culture, tribal members from the Pacific Northwest and Canadian First Nations join in the annual expedition, Paddle to Quinault. Intertribal canoes participated in this year’s journey traveled more than 195 miles over 11 days. NAYA friends gathered on the dock and beach at Cathedral Park to applaud paddlers as they reached their destination for the day. A strong showing of community helped set up camp and provide food and music in the park for all to enjoy. Donita Fry, Shoshone-Bannock, talked about the gathering and being a part of the canoe journey, “I’m really proud to see community coming together, espcially the urban community, for an intertribal gathering.” NAYA’s Youth & Elders Council gathered early the next morning to serve breakfast to paddlers and wish them well on their journey to Quinault. The Canoe Journey has inspired NAYA to embark on an adventure of its own by creating a canoe team. Led by Youth & Elders Council members, the future when NAYA joins the tradition of traveling in the path of their ancestors is not far away.
PRINCIPAL CHIEF OF CHEROKEE NATION VISITS NAYA
BY SHAWN FLEEK, COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
NAYA was honored to receive a visit from Bill John Baker, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Baker toured sites relevant to Indian culture in the state, and he made NAYA his first stop. “I am eager to learn more about the NAYA Family Center and the amazing work it does for our people and for the larger Native community in town,” said Baker. Baker and his staff kindly donated a Pendleton featuring the logo of the Cherokee Nation. The assembly then sat to trade knowledge about the programs that each organization implements to improve the health, housing and education of those they serve. Baker and his staff were awarded Honoring Necklaces, in the tradition of the local Siletz tribe, as thanks for their visit as well as their advocacy. “It is an honor to receive the Chief here today,” said NAYA Executive Director Matt Morton, Squaxin Island Tribe. “NAYA inspires the next generation of Native American youth to follow Bill John Baker’s excellent example. His advocacy on behalf of the education, development and housing of our people is perfectly in line with the work we do every day.”
Matt Morton, Squaxin Island Tribe, showing Principle Chief Bill John Baker future plans for the NAYA Generations Project
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
SUMMER 2013 IN REVIEW NAYA Family Center friends and community members enjoyed a fun filled summer. The beautiful weather, provided the perfect setting for summer youth camps, the Paddle to Quinault canoe journey and staff participation in Global Backpacks for Fun Run.
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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
SUMMER CAMPS SOAR WITH SUCCESS
BY DAN ROWELL, EDUCATION COORDINATOR
The Youth and Education Services department hosted its annual Summer Camp Rise for students entering the 2nd – 8th grade. More than 90 youth participated in this year’s summer camp. Students engaged in Cultural Arts projects, Sports and Exercise units, Traditional Native Games, Math and Language Arts review, and Wellness and Gardening Stations. Our 6th-8th grade students also had the opportunity to participate in Oregon State University’s Mobile Engineering Camp. Oregon Health and Sciences University’s Listening for Life program educated our 4th and 5th grade students on the science of hearing loss. Additionally, some of our 8th grade students participated in an Elder Biography Project and many of our 7th and 8th grade young women took part in a Girl Power Zine project where they were able to share their perspectives and experiences. Sequoia, Grand Ronde having fun in art class in the Camp Rise summer program We celebrated our youth during our Student Showcase Night with student performances, raffles and an Endof-Camp Barbecue and Carnival. One of our parents summed up the value of the experience for our youth in a personal letter to our staff, “Thank you for adding joy and heartfelt wisdom to our children’s lives.”
9TH GRADE LEADERS OF OUR FUTURE BY BECCA WOLF, YOUTH ADVOCATE
Students from around the Portland metro area participated in NAYA’s 9th Grade Leaders (NGL) program, which engaged students in a variety of projects, experiences and skill building designed to help them better prepare for their transitions into high school. Youth participated in the Summer Field Science Camp pilot project put on by Wisdom of The Elders two days a week, hands on service-learning activities, cultural arts and recreation opportunities.
Maleia Calvert participating in Summer Field Science camp
During the NGL camp, youth focused on obtaining knowledge and building skills to help prepare them for a successful transition into high school. The youth attended a workshop about bullying and harassment put on by Portland Public School and also participated in a College and Career Fair at Portland Community College. The Multnomah County Library had a presentation where youth signed up for library cards and the library shared with them the many free services and resources available such as online homework tutoring, language programs, career and college planning programs and more. 3
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
COLLEGE ACCESS & CAREER READINESS FAIR
BY TAMARA HENDERSON, COLLEGE & CAREER COORDINATOR
It is hard to believe that another school year is underway. With the coming of fall, a time to prepare and learn more about college and career opportunities is also upon us. NAYA’s College Access & Career Readiness Fair is the first of many events focused on preparing individuals with information on how to make the transition from high school to college, an apprenticeship, and other career opportunities and is open to all ages. Following the fair, a workshop designed to prepare youth and families for financing education and training beyond high school is offered. “At a time when a college degree is more important than ever, we want to offer youth and families opportunities to explore the education and training options beyond high school that exist and we see the fair as the perfect opportunity to do this,” said Tamara Henderson, NAYA’s College and Career Coordinator. “This fair is the perfect way to start the year with information that can help our community to prepare for their next steps.” There is something for everyone at this year’s event, don’t miss out speaking one-on-one to representatives from Oregon’s largest universities and colleges. Participants will also be able to access valuable volunteer opportunities that can lead to excellent career exploration and future college and career goals and plans. The value in attending can be measured by the tools and resources that an individual gains to make a successful transition into college or a career. Learn more about the College and Career Center, Career Skills and Development programs, and many other offerings from NAYA that assist individuals of all ages actualize their goals and dreams on the NAYA website nayapdx.org/services/college-andTamara working with Ruben in the College & Career center career-services.
YOUTH EVENTS COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS FAIR September 18, 2013 3 -7 pm, at NAYA COLLEGE NIGHTS Tuesdays & Thursdays September, October, November & December 4-7 pm in the College & Career Center College Nights are for youth to gain access to education and training beyond high school. Youth are able to accomplish a number of activities related to their educational goals.
NAYA’S SUMMER FULL OF TALENTED INTERNS
BY KAETI NAMBA, COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
NAYA has been fortunate to work with some great summer interns this year. Youth involvement is important because they are the future leaders in our community. Aimee Diaz worked with Camp Rise as a counselor and truly enjoyed her position interacting with the kids, such as leading them on recreational group walks around NAYA grounds. Aimee is going to be a senior at Wilson high school and has been an active participant in NAYA programming which includes playing on the NAYA basketball and volleyball teams while she was in middle school. Marisha Friday was an integral team member to the Development department for her summer internship. Providing essential admin support, Marisha Summer interns Marisha Friday and Amiee Diaz contributed to Native Professionals and Friends Nights and worked on future department projects. Marisha is going to be a senior in NAYA’s Early College Academy and said her favorite part of the internship was using her knowledge of cultural arts to make gifts for NAYA partners and sponsors. It has been a great summer and we appreciate the help and support from our interns.
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NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
WIND & OAR YOUTH SOAR IN SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
BY SUE ZALOKAR, SUNRISE EAST INSTRUCTOR
Great things were in motion in a shop space in Southeast Portland called ADX. For three NAYA, Sunrise EAST youth who participated in Wind and Oar Boat School, summer was spent navigating the waters of working together to build a boat. Sunrise EAST skills coach, Nellie McConville, Nez Perce, encouraged each of these youth to consider the boat school internship. Five days a week, each afternoon, Jeremy Whiz,Yakama Nation, Cheyenne Maldonado, Siletz, and Owen Mitchell, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, arrived for their summer internship. Instructor and founder of the boat school, Peter Crim said “the boat provides great opportunities to talk about math at every step.” Hannah Lynch, another instructor agrees but stresses a focus on workplace skills. “Get here on time, hard work, craftsmanship, working together, communication. That is the atmosphere that we are trying to foster. Through that, we can use the boat to teach math and build on that.” To visit the class in action is inspiring on every level. There are students engaged in tasks at every stage. Perhaps one of the most inspiring parts of a visit to the shop is talking to the students themselves. “I would definitely recommend it,” said Sunrise EAST youth, Jeremy Whiz when asked to reflect on his summer. “You just have to be here on time.” Show up and you are going to learn. It’s great for your future.”
Sunrise EAST interns hard at work building a boat at ADX
SHINING IN THE SUNRISE EAST PROGRAM
BY SUE ZALOKAR, SUNRISE EAST INSTRUCTOR
Kyler Buzalsky, Aleut, is looking to take advantage of every opportunity he can. He registered as a Sunrise EAST youth this summer and since then, with the help of his skills coach, Crystal Cox, Interior Salish First Nations from the Secwepemc Nation, he has achieved his forklift operator certification and he has been working all summer as an intern on the NAYA construction team. This summer, Kyler has gained many skills through his construction internship with NAYA. “l admit I don’t really have a lot of self-confidence,” Kyler said, “But this job has really been helping me with that. It has shown me that I can do, really, anything.” Kyler is 19 years old, but he speaks with a wisdom and a gentle calmness of someone much older. Kyler is also currently homeless. His housing situation has not affected the goals he has set for himself. In the fall, Kyler will begin attending Portland Community College and plans to finish his high school diploma. He is taking part in the Gateway to College program which will allow him to finish his high school diploma while at the same time, earning college credits. In the immediate future, Kyler will finish out his NAYA construction internship this month. After that, he’s hoping to secure work as a forklift operator at Kyler putting his internship skills to work a warehouse in east Portland and one day soon, a place to call his own. 5
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
NATIVE LEADERS EFFECTING CHANGE
BY ANNA ALLEN, DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
The Oregon lead Cohort is a yearlong program designed to help emerging Native American leaders build upon their existing professional skills and techniques. The focus of the group is to create initiatives that will benefit the Native American community throughout Oregon and SW Washington in a positive way. “The skills and connections that we develop are not only going to help us in our careers” says Leah Gibson, Oglala Lakota, “they are going to go back to the community through our future work, networks, and opportunities to mentor other burgeoning indigenous professionals.” Natalie Mitchell, Delores Burgos and Roben Itchoak at the Oregon This year’s LEAD cohort is shaping into a strong group of visionaries, organizers, leaders, LEAD retreat in Lincoln City. and pragmatists who are all geared toward the same goal, change. The cohort of 201314 gathered for their initial retreat in Lincoln City in August. The time was spent getting to know their cohort peers and sharing ideas for their community initiatives, which will be NAYA EVENTS implemented within the year and hopefully sustained long after the program ends. The cohort shared personal stories including struggles, strengths, past lives, and future ALL MY RELATIONS TOUR- COMMUNITY plans with one another. The community can look forward to hearing and participating CONCERT in one, or many, of the positive initiatives that are soon to take place in Indian Country.
ECONOMIC HURDLES OVERCOME WITH BILL SIGNING
BY REY ESPANA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Supporters and advocates of the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) program celebrated as Governor Kitzhaber signed HB 2316 to increase eligibility for IDA accounts. The IDA program supports personal financial objectives such as owning a home, paying for college, or starting a small business with a financial match when their savings goal is reached. NAYA has had many achievements enrolling people in the IDA program and building financial opportunity within our community. Last year, NAYA successfully enrolled 105 participants in the savings program, over half of whom were savings for home ownership and education. Congratulations to all of our supporters for their hard work and dedication. NAYA Board Chair Joe Dulaney, and Community Development staff look on as Governor Kizhaber signs HB 2316
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September 28, 2013 6pm doors open Featuring an amazing collaboration of contemporary Canadian First Nations and Native American musicians. $10 or $5 + 2 nonperishable food items
NATIVE PROFESSIONALS & FRIENDS NIGHT October 10, 2013 5:30 - 7:30 pm Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Ave Portland, OR 97205 HOUSING TO HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR October 12, 2013 The Native American Housing to Homeownership Fair is a place for the community to come together to gather and share information on healthy living, housing resources and building a strong connection to home.
NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER NEWSLETTER
Fall 2013
AIDS WALK PDX ‘13 GETS SUPPORT FROM NAYA
BY KAETI NAMBA, COMMUNICATION COORDIINATOR
The Early College Academy (ECA) team is going on its fourth year participating in AIDS Walk Portland. Our intergenerational team of high school youth, adults, and Elders support the goals of reducing the stigma associated with a positive diagnosis and creating awareness about HIV/ AIDS in Indian Country. NAYA’s Early College Academy students are three year champs of the “High School Challenge,” which raised over $3,700 in support of HIV/AIDS awareness and the importance of getting tested. Lorne James, Navajo (Born for the Salt Clan, Born into the Towering House Clan), openly talks about his personal experience being HIV positive and the strong sense of community and support in the Native culture that helped him during diagnosis. “Dealing with trauma associated with a positive diagnosis is difficult,” says James “but programs at NAYA such as Culture Night, helped me connect to the community and build the support systems that I needed.” Support the ECA team “Good Medicine” by donating on aidswalkportland.org team page. Sign up and walk with NAYA on Sunday, September 22, 2013. The team meets on the SW side of Pioneer Square by Starbucks at 8am.
ANTICIPATION BUILDING FOR 10TH ANNUAL NAYA GALA NAYA GALA | PORTLAND ART MUSEUM | NOVEMBER 15. 2013 | 5:30 - 7:30 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ILLAHEE “SUSTAINING LAND”
NAYA 2013 GALA performance
NAYA Family Center will host the annual auction and gala in honor of Native American Heritage Month. With an anticipated return to the Portland Art Museum, the gala will celebrate community and share history with tribal leaders, elected officials, and those dedicated to the educational and life successes of our youth. The event will include a traditional Native American meal, special performance, as well as a live and silent auction. Auction items featured in this year’s collection include original paintings, hand crafted jewelry, antique baskets, and one-ofa-kind travel experiences.
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INSIDE PADDLE TO QUINAULT WELCOME AT CATHEDRAL PARK PRINCIPLE CHIEF OF CHEROKEE NATION VISITS NAYA NAYA SUMMER CAMP SUCCESSES INTERNS BUILD SKILLS IN SUMMER JOBS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE NEXT NATIVE PROFESSIONALS & FRIENDS NIGHT October 10, 2013 at the Portland Art Museum
Get a sneek peak of select silent auction items that will be featured at the 2013 GALA. Also, sign up for a guided tour of the Native American Art Collection exhibit with a museum curator! OUR MISSION To enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education.